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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Chap.Lr:...A^opjriglit No. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A L.O H A 



AND OTHER POEMS 



BY 



/ 



MRS. MARY JOHNSON 

AUTHOR OF " MAC " AND " CARRIE ELLSWORTH ' 



BOSTON 
H. H. CARTER & COMPANY 

5 SOMERSET STREET 
1895 







Copyright, 1895, 
By MARY JOHNSON. 



J. S. Gushing & Co. — Berwick & Smith. 
Norwood Mass. U.S.A. 



ANNIE JOSEPHINE 

AND 

A FRIEND OF LONG AGO 



NOTE 



The scene of the poem " Aloha " was suggested by the 
painting "Abandoned," in the Mechanics' Fair, 1892 
(afterwards sent to the Columbian Exhibition), by Charles 
H. Davis, Mystic, Conn. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Aloha ' J 

Two Nests 28 

The Child of the Lighthouse 31 

The Century-plant ^e 

Anointed ■ V! 

Midnight •••........ 41 

Invocation 42 

A Christmas Carol ^e 

The Tea-kettle 4- 

The Cricket ••••...... cq 

^"*° • SZ 

Compensation ry 

A Church in Swampscott eg 

Our Baby 61 

A Thought go 

The Wheat-sheaf 61; 

Marion's Reply .......... 70 

vii 



CONTENTS 



Watching for a Sail 

The Snow- Bird . 

Song of the Snow-Spirit 

The Rose : a Ballad 

Trust . 

Patchwork . 

A Valentine 

The Pet Dove 

A Christmas Robin 

My Pets 

A September Birthday 

John . 

A Birthday Sonnet 

Inasmuch 

A Birthday Wish 

Robin Redbreast 

The Refusal 

Thanksgiving Morning 

Thanksgiving 

Harvest-Home 

A Guest 

A Golden Wedding 

Swampscott Bay . 

Answered . 



78 
80 

83 
87 
92 

93 
98 

99 
102 
104 
106 
no 
114 

115 

117 
119 
123 

125 
127 
130 
134 

137 
140 
142 



CONTENTS 



IX 



Looking towards Jerusalem 

Crowned 

Our Lily 

Till He Come 

The Ivy Promise 

Manifest 

Tarry Not ! . 

The Patience of Hope 

The Pearl of Price 

Questioning 

Content 

The Well . 

A Band-of-Mercy Hymn 

A German Legend 

Hope . 

Light at Evening 

Susan Fenimore Cooper 

The Helper 

Rest . 

Communion 

Shadow and Light 

Li the Valley 

The Nativity 

A Communion Hymn 



PAGE 

144 
149 
150 
152 

158 
160 
161 
164 
166 
170 
172 

178 
180 
182 
183 
185 
187 
189 
192 
194 
196 



X CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Wish 198 

Absent 201 

Grandma's Picnic 202 

Comforted 203 

A Child's Question ......... 207 

Emancipation .......... 210 

The Kearsarge . . . . . . . „ . .213 

Long Island Sound 214 

Sunset 216 



ALOHA 

I 

'nr^HE Ice-King builds his palaces fair, 

Decking their white walls with tapestries rare. 
Frost-robed, snow-crowned, on diamond throne 
Majestic Winter bears sway alone. 

Down from the mountains, on to the sea, 
The mail-clad river flows silently. 
And the larches, studded with brilHants, gleam. 
As they bend in the sunlight to kiss the stream ; 
While far in the glade, 'mid the rushes deep. 
The brook is cradled and gone to sleep. 



The leafless trees in the darksome wood 
Stand like hoary giants, brave and rude. 
They heed not the blast of the north wind keen, 



2 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

As it sweeps through the valleys the hills between; 

Silent they stand, awaiting their hour 

When spring shall touch them with gentler power, 

And kindle all their life-currents again, 

And send the sap leaping through every vein. 

Down in their burrows marmot and hare 
Have sheltered themselves from the icy air; 
And the squirrel, deep in the hollow tree. 
With his store of nuts, is snug as can be. 

The litde birds far to the south have fled. 

Save the brownies that come for their daily bread, 

Seeking at cottage window and door 

The crumbs that for them make ample store. 

Hid in the woods the red berries grow; 

They know where to find them, these birds of the snow. 

The brown-eyed cows in the sheltering shed 
Stand patiently waiting with drooping head; 
WaiUng the barn-door's opening wide, 
As it turns on its iron hinges aside. 



ALOHA 

A well-filled manger, a brimming pail, 
Signs of honest exchange that never fail. 

The coaster's whistle breaks from the hill ; 
The skater glides o'er the frozen rill. 
And the sleigh-bells ring a brisk roundelay, 
As the horses trot on their homeward way. 

As nightfall approaches, the children come, 
Coated and mittened, hurrying home ; 
And the house-dog's welcoming bark rings out, 
MingHng with laughter and song and shout. 

The tea-kettle hums its wonted cheer, 
With floating steam and bubbhng spout. 

Puss purrs her content the fireside near — 
What matter the night be soft or wild. 
While home and mother wait for the child? 



ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 



II 

Where a point of land juts out to sea, 
There stands a cottage built as might be 
For the lowly home of honest worth, 
With quiet joys and restful hearth. 
Long years ago a young bride came, 
And graved on yonder rock her name — 
Aloha ! 

Over the billows come and go 
The white-winged vessels, swift or slow. 
The gulls, far out on the rocky ledge, 
Seek daily their food at the water's edge, 
And poise in the sunshine that drips its best 
Of rainbow tints on the soft gray breast. 

Over the western hills are unrolled 
The sunset's banners, crimson and gold; 
And the sea gleams back, a sea of fire, 
Its waves pulsating like heart's desire; 



ALOHA 

While the stone tower's revolving light 
Gleams white across the gathering night. 

But round the lone, deserted ingle, 

The sounds of winds and waters mingle, — 

The wind in the pines, the surges' roar. 

The diapason of wave and shore; 

And only the gray sea-gull's cry 

Gives note of life as she flits by. 



ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 



m 

Long, long ago the cottage home 
Was bright with childhood's laugh and song. 
The little group that dwelt therein 
Was merry as the day was long. 
For love dwelt there and pure content; 
The days in honest service spent. 

And when the evening hours had come, 
A flute's clear notes would, rippling, sound, 
Re-echoing the gray rocks round. 
Then, lulled by murmuring waves to rest, 
Came sleep as comes a gentle guest. 

A path from the cottage led down to the sea, 
'Mid blueberry bushes and wild-rose bloom, 
Whose dainty cups filled the air with perfume. 

And tripping over the emerald lea, 
Came two little children, hand in hand. 
And crossed the strip of shining sand, 



ALOHA 

To look for clams on the rocky shore, 
And gather the sea-weed that drifted o'er, 
Where the billows swept the narrow ledge. 
And the path crept down to the water's edge. 

The boy was strong and brave and fair; 
The girl dark-eyed, with gold-brown hair; 

Her home the cottage on the shore — 
A little farther up the bay. 
His home, a fishing-hamlet, lay. 
So they were playmates, day by day; 

The wave-washed beach their shining floor. 

Born of sea-faring ancestry, 
Their mothers had no thought of fear, 

But gave them perfect liberty 
While waves were blue and skies were clear. 
Across the low, south-western rift 
Among the rocks, if dark clouds drift. 
Then they must hasten up the path, 
For shelter from the storm-king's wrath. 



ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

But otherwise, the long, bright day, 
Free as sandpipers they might play; 

For like young ducks they both could swim. 
While ever with them on their way 
Went Bruce, the dog of Newfoundland; 

And they were always safe with him. 

And often on the pebbly strand 

They built a house of pearly shells. 

Made bridges, boats, and tiny wells. 

And then the boy would, laughing, say, 

"We'll have, our very own, some day, 

A pretty cottage by the sea; 

And you my thrifty wife will be." 

— "Yes, when our ship comes in," said she. 

For this the word that in her home 
Answered to many a childish prayer. 
The mother, 'mid her household care. 

Loth to deny the little one. 
Would say, with tender touch and tone, 

"Wait, darling, till our ship shall come!" 



ALOHA 

She meant not to deceive the child, 

Nor knew her words were pondered o'er: 

She counted not the fancies wild, 
The shining hopes that rose before 

The playmates as they watched the sea. 
Or rambled on the rocky shore. 

The fishing-sloops sailed bravely out: 
The fishing-sloops sailed blithely in; 

And so, with years it came about, 
The boy, near manhood grown, would win 
The treasures of the stormy deep: 
His dream by day, his dream in sleep, 
The captain of his ship to be. 
He feared no toil that left him free 
To live upon the rolling sea. 



10 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 



IV 

They walked on the shore, and side by side 
Sat on the rocks, and watched the tide. 
As with rhythm soft to their feet it rolled. 
The sea was crossed by a bar of gold. 
The white sails fluttered on the bay. 
Where boat and schooner anchored lay. 
And almost at their very feet 
A pretty little brown peweet 
Scud o'er the beach, his mate to greet. 

The sailor lover drew to his side 
His childhood's playmate, his promised bride. 
He placed on her finger a golden ring, 
With a star-like garnet glistening. 
And a crescent cut from a moonstone clear. 
"Let these tell you what I would tell you, dear! 
But your name, my darling, your name is best! 
Aloha! (I love thee) you know the rest. 
Aloha! 



ALOHA 11 

Aloha ! Thy beautiful, South-Island name, 
Songful of meaning, love's high behest, 

I bear on my heart in letters of flame, 
Of home significant, comfort and rest. 
Aloha (I love thee) sweetest and best! 

"Aloha, I go to sail the seas o'er; 

But fear not, my darling! A golden shore, 

With a pearl for every scattered sand, 

If the shells, low-lying along the strand, 

Held every one a diamond-light, — 

Would be less fair than this in my sight, — 
For the gem of gems and pearl of pearls 
Is my little girl with her golden curls, 

This peerless maiden, my heart's delight — 
Aloha! 

"Thy fawn-like eyes, so lustrous-dark. 
Shall shine like lode-stars o'er my bark. 
When far away on stormy sea 
I'll nerve my arm with thoughts of thee, 

Aloha ! 

— , 

My love forever — when my bride to be? — " 
"When the good ship comes into port," said she. 



12 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 



Forth sailed the ship with morning's tide: 
The maiden to home duties hied. 
Cheerful and hopeful, brave was she: 
"Some day he will come back to me." 

But at the sunset's quiet hour 
She roved along the sea-girt shore, 
And listened to the surges' swell. 
With thoughts of him she loved so well. 

At summer eve she sat beside 

Her chamber window, where the tide 

Lapsed in soft music to her ear; 
When star by star came twinkling through 
The curtain of transparent blue; 
'Mid growing darkness of the night 
Shone out the watch-tower's friendly light. 

Or when the moonlight far and near 
Spread o'er the sea its silvery sheen, — 
A path of gold the rocks between. 



ALOHA 13 

And other nights she lay awake 
When storm-winds would the cottage shake 
And from its casement naught was seen 
Save curling mists that rose between 

The watcher and the sea-beat shore; 
Where crested billows, wild and high, 

Broke in white foam the red cliffs o'er. 
And lightning marked the lurid sky. 

The thunder's peal, the booming surge, 
The wild winds in fierce chorus merge; 
And o'er the swelling, angry main, 
The fog-bell's warning rings again. 

Her cheek pales, and her heart throbs deep; 
But hope and trust she still will keep. 
"No news were good news," cheerful say; 
"He will come back to me some day. 
Wrestling with storm, but sure to win, 
Bravely the good ship will come in ! " 

On her finger shines the garnet star. 
With the moonstone crescent pearly clear. 



14 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

"His heart is mine whether near or far; 
And be it for months, or year by year, 
I'll bide at home with my parents dear, 
Helping their daily bread to win, 
And wait for him till his ship comes in ! " 

One night, tempestuous, cold and dark, 
She dreamed she saw her lover's bark 
Tossed like an egg-shell on the waves, 
Where breakers yawned like giant graves. 

She wakened with a frightened cry. — 
The dayspring flushed the eastern sky. 
A voice she knew was in her ear, 
A tone that banished every fear. 

A footstep on the gleaming sand! 
Up the steep path her lover came. 

With joyous shout and waving hand. 

He saw her at the window stand. 
One word he said — the one dear name, — 
Aloha ! 



ALOHA 15 



VI 

The winter winds and storms are o'er, 
And June's sweet benison once more 
Has waked the earth with beauty's power. 

The clouds flit by in fleecy white; 

The sea with silver foam is bright; 
And land and sea in festal hour 
Rejoice in largesse of their dower. 

The brook by the roadside ripples and sings; 

The robin twitters, atilt on the bough; 
Afar o'er the hills the church-bell rings, 

And the bridal wreath crowns Aloha's brow. 

A year of charmed, idyllic life 
Was hers, the beautiful young wife. 

With him she loved she crossed the main; 
Delighted, roved a foreign shore; 

Saw mountain, river, castle, plain. 
And when their native land once more 



16 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

They reached in safety, still her home 
Was the same cottage by the sea. 

Thither her bonnie children come; 

And far and wide though she might roam, 
Her heart has kept its fealty. 

Then years passed on in sweet content. 
Although her captain came and went, 
With seeming but short space between, 
It gilds the months that intervene. 
And living still, her gray-haired sire 
And gentle mother by her fire 
Sit in their armchairs; while the play 
Of childhood brightens every day. 



ALOHA 17 



VII 



Far out at sea the lighthouse lamp 

Shone on the waters white with foam. 
The captain stood alone on deck, 

His good ship duly bound for home. 
Soft flute-notes o'er the swelling tide 

Bore "Annie Laurie," low and sweet, 
As in his thought he saw his bride 

Trip down the path his steps to meet. 
E'en dearer than in earlier youth 
He held his love, with manly truth. 

"A love-song! Would you think it so," 

One and another said below, 

"Of that gray, weather-beaten man?" — 

But through his life of hardship ran 

A romance and affection true. 

As through a web of varied hue. 

Runs, here and there, a thread of gold. 

As tender was his heart as bold. 

c 



18 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

At noontide of a summer's day 
The ship came blithely up the bay. 
With eager eye and heart of fire, 
Homeward her captain took his way. 
For no one met him on the shore, 
With joyous welcome as before. 
Of merry voice and outreached hands. 

Alone he sped across the sands. 

No sight or sound his steps to stay, 
Till, as he neared his cottage door, 
His youngest child, a dark-eyed girl 
With hair in many a clustering curl, — 
The image of his heart's desire — 
Sprang to his arms, and nestling there, 
Said, — " Mamma is away — away ! " 



ALOHA 19 



VIII 

Years passed; and time, with healing power, 
Assuaged the sorrow of that hour. 
But still he held, with lonely truth, 
In deepest love the wife of youth. 
No other hand like hers can seem; 
And oft he murmurs in a dream, 
"Aloha!" 

The child to womanhood has grown, 

A presence fair, with tender grace. 
Her mother speaks in every tone; 

Her mother's eyes look from her face. 
And the old captain, worn and gray, 
Finds his best comfort day by day. 
Within her pleasant, wedded home, 

A little distance up the bay; 
Where still he sees the white sea-foam. 

The waves amid the rocks at play. 



20 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And in the quiet evening hour, 
The red star of the lighthouse tower. 

He turned not, listless or careless, away 

From the duty and trust of every day. 

But when nightfall came, and the world was still. 

He dearly loved to wander at will, 

Silent and lone, on the sea-beat shore; 
And listen, as to a mighty psalm. 

To the rush of the winds and the surges' roar; 
While the Spirit of infinite peace and calm 
Brooded his soul with its soothing balm. 
And often a presence seemed so near, 
That he said soft and low — no stranger might hear- 
''Aloha!" 

And when the winter's shortened day 
Had given place to twilight gray, 
And all things seemed to float away, 
Wrapped in its veil of chilling mist, — 
When cottage door and casement fast 
Were barred against the coming blast, 



ALOHA 21 

He sat beside the blazing fire, 
And listened to the wind-swept lyre. 

He watched the elfin shapes arise, 

Or with his hand across his eyes. 

As thoughts will wander where they list — 

Heard the waves dashing to and fro, 

And in the hearth-fire's ruddy glow 

Dreamed silently of long-ago. 

With lamp and book the evening hours 

Passed swift away; but when the Night 
Had drawn her tent of silence down, 

And snow on all around lay white, 
Then in the glass of memory 

His wedded home was pictured clear: 
Then but one form he seemed to see, 

One voice was in his listening ear. 
But never seemed she far away. 
His dream by night, his thought by day, 
Aloha ! 



22 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 



DC 

The cottage still and lonely stands; 
But neatly kept by careful hands. 
And now and then a little boat 
Rocks gently, on the waves afloat, 
Where, years long past, she used to come, 
With daily, joyous welcome home. 
There fastened the green bank beside, 
She falls and rises with the tide. 

But no one sees her come or go; 
And the wise fisher folk below 
Oft shake their grizzly heads and say, 
"The phantom craft is out to-day." 
And not a man among them all 
But hastens by when shadows fall. 

Many a winter's sped away, 
Forgotten in the blossoming May. 



ALOHA 23 

June comes again with fresh delight 
Of roseate dawn and starry night. 

The flowers bloom, the birds return, 
To nest and sing among the trees; 

The wayside brook is rippling again, 
And the white sails swell in the western breeze. 
But rare is a footstep on that green shore, 
And rare the sound of a dipping oar. 

Over the billows swiftly glide 

Schooner and fishing-boat as of old; 
And the sea gives back in its ebbing tide 

The fleece-like clouds and the rose and gold. 

But the soft-clad hours glide silent on, 
With padded feet; and from early dawn 
Till o'er the hills the sunsets burn. 

No sound save that of wind and waves, 
And sea-gull's cry and peweet's note 
Is on the summer air afloat. 

The place is as the place of graves. 



24 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The blue wave lapses soft and low; 

And no one sees, in the sunset glow, 

Still as a spirit a little skiff glide 

Close to the hamlet's sheltered side. 

Her keel grates hard 'mid the shifting sands; 

Beside her a gray-haired seaman stands, 

And makes her fast with trembling hands. 

What seeks he there in the sunset light? 
His hand is brown, but his soul is white. 
Never a treasure he comes to hide : 
His treasure was cloistered the cliffs beside, 
Many a long, sad year ago. 

Where the briar-rose blooms, and falls the snow 
The name on the rock, the name on a grave, 
Is washed at high tide by the surf-crested wave, 
Aloha ! 



ALOHA 25 



He opened wide the cottage door, 
And feebly crossed the sanded floor. 
He reached the window she liked best — 
Its lattice opened to the west. 



"Here stands the settle as of old. 
How oft we watched the red and gold, 
Together, from this quiet place ! 
I see e'en now thy form of grace, 
The rose-bloom of thy cheek so fair; 
The clinging tendrils of thy hair, 
That, curling, swept thy shoulder down; 
Thy fawn-like eyes of lustrous brown, — 
Aloha ! 



"Well do I know thou'rt blessed above; 
But could'st thou come one minute, love, 



26 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And lay thy fair head on my breast, 
How glad would I lie down to rest, - 
Aloha!" 



Was it a dream, or was it true? 

The grace that maketh all things new? 

Joy lit again his eager eye. 

He seemed a presence to descry! 

A form of light beside him there, 

With aureole of golden hair. 

And fawn- like, lustrous eyes of brown. 

Peaceful, the old man laid him down. 

He saw afar an angel stand, 
One foot on sea and one on land; 
And lifting up a radiant hand, 
Declare that time should be no more! 

For on that mist-wrapped, golden shore, 
Beyond earth's changes, doubts, and tears, 
They reckon not by days and years; 

But life flows on forevermore. 



ALOHA 27 

A halo crowns the silver hair; 
Low breathe the words of trustful prayer.- 
He turned his face unto the west; 
Over it stole the calm of rest. 
The sunset sky was all aflame j 
Once more his lips moved — with her name — 
Aloha ! 



TWO NESTS 

The brown-clad mother sits aloft, 

Serene in love's content. 
What cares she that admiring eyes 

Are never on her bent? 
To that small chirp beneath her wing 

Her listening ear is lent. 

What care I that gay-plumaged birds 

Fly past with scornful air, 
While in my snug, leaf-shaded nest 

I brood with mother-care 
The birdie cuddling 'neath my wing. 

Her wee note chirping there? 

There's joy enough in wind-rocked nest 

The little ones to brood. 
There's joy enough in quiet room 

To sing to baby's mood. 
28 



TIVO NESTS 29 

For with my darling on my breast 
I know no solitude. 

"Che weet, che weet," the brown bird sings, 

"My little one some day, 
Through azure sky, on swiftest wings, 

Will trace his gladsome way; 
In richer fields than I have swept 

Warble a sweeter lay." 

"Sheltered and loved and cherished aye," 

This mother, musing, sighs, 
"My gold-haired girl shall be, as now 

Within my arms she lies. 
And ne'er such tears as I have shed 

Fall from her radiant eyes. 

"My girl shall reach a womanhood 

Pure and of noble grace; 
And in the ranks of helpful souls 

Shall gladly find her place; 
While sweet home joys shall swell her song, 

And glorify her face." 



30 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Ah! now two mothers sit apart, 
Each with her grief alone. 

To each has come a bitter hour; 
Each makes her weary moan: 

"My sweet home-nest is lonely left, 
My singing-bird is flown ! " 



THE CHILD OF THE LIGHTHOUSE 

The lighthouse keeper said to his child, 
"I must go to the mainland, dear; 

Can you stay alone till afternoon? 
Quite early I hope to be here." 

She tossed back her hair with a girlish grace, 

As she lifted to his a brightening face: 
"Yes, father; I've nothing to fear. 

"With Kitty and Fido I'll have a good play 
When I've seen your boat glide by; 

Then I'll gather shells and seaweed bright, 
And watch the cloud-fleets in the sky. 

Oh! time will merrily glide away; 

And when you come, ere the close of day, 
To get a good supper I'll try." 

"God keep thee, daughter!" the father said, 
As he drew her close to his side; 
31 



32 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

His sun-browned hand on her golden head, 

While the light skiff waited her guide. 
Then in he sprang, and with arrowy flight, 
The little boat sped, like a sea-bird bright, 

O'er the sparkling, shimmering tide. 

The child stood still on the wave-washed sand 

Baptized in the sunlight clear; 
And the father thought, as he waved his hand. 

Of another yet more dear. 
Who had watched him, erst, from that gleaming strand. 
Whose life-bark sped to the better land, 

But leaving her image here. 

Quietly, cheerily, fled the hours 

Of the long, bright summer day; 
But lo ! in the west a storm-cloud lowers, 

Its shadow is on the bay. 
"Oh, father, I hope, will not set sail, 
In rash attempt to weather the gale," 

She thought, as she knelt to pray. 



THE CHILD OF THE LIGHTHOUSE 33 

"Then what if a ship should pass to-night?" 

In anxious tone she said. 
"But can I? — yes, I must strike the light." 

She climbed with cautious tread, 
Up and still up through the circling tower. 
And, full and clear, till the dawnlight hour, 

The lantern's radiance spread. 

"The mist is thick; the bell must be rung." 

The girlish arm was slight; 
But the woman's heart to effort sprung; 

And out on the dreary night 
The bell pealed forth, again and again, 
While an anxious crew on that raging main 

Were toiling with all their might. 

The morning breaks, and the storm is past; 

The keeper sets sail for home. 
His heart throbs deep, as his boat flies fast, 

Amid dashing spray and foam. 
She touches land; and the chamber stairs 
Echo his footfalls as hearts echo prayers. 

He turns to his daughter's room. 

D 



34 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

No shame to his manhood that tears fall fast 

As he bends o'er the little bed; 
And his kisses bedew the tiny hands 

Thrown wearily over her head. 
For those hands have wrought a mightier deed 

Than were blazoned in story or song, 
And the ship, with its wealth of human life, 
To-day safely rides o'er the billows' strife, 

Because the child's heart was strong! 



THE CENTURY-PLANT 

Thy voice, through years of storm and strife, hath led 

The nation safely on; 
And when the mighty words. Be Free ! were said, — 

Thou to thy rest wert gone ! 

But from thy grave, as from the cleft rock, springs 

The fountain of the free; 
And in the future's vista shines thy name, 

Inwrought with liberty ! 

In thy life's work and close, the fable old 

Is fitly clothed anew; 
And to all generations shall unfold 

A meaning deep and true. 

Now on that life's all-beautiful evangel. 

Fraught with the worn heart's weal. 

When written to the full, hath God's strong angel 
Impressed his fire-wrought seal. 
35 



36 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Long years of struggling will and burning thought, 
The. bondman's grief and thrall, 

And what the heart of Christ in man hath wrought, 
Have culminated all ! 

Yes, we who loved thee, watched the blossoming 

Of thy life's earnest hour, 
Forgetting that its ripening were its fall, — 

Lincoln, our Aloe-Flower. 

With tears, yet joy, the nation gathers up 

The stainless petals cast; 
And in the heart's herbarium evermore 

Shall their dear fragrance last. 

June i, 1865. 



ANOINTED 

With tender reverence drawing near, 
Hushed footfall and bowed head, 

The people gather round the bier 
Where lies the mighty dead. 

Nor these alone within the walls 
Where erst his voice hath rung: 

The Church of Christ in all the world 
In spirit joins the throng. 

For ties of country and of kin 
And churchly form and creed 

Could serve, but never bind this saint 
Claimed by all human need. 

Amid Westminster's pillared aisles, 
'Neath Trinity's broad dome, — 

The listening people sat entranced; 
The word of truth came home. 
37 



38 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Home to all eager, longing souls 
That sought the Bread of Life; 

An inspiration, strength and hope, 
A peace that banished strife. 

Apostle of a Brotherhood 

Wide as the earth and sea. 
Where differing lines of thought could merge 

In one large charity, — 

No petty fences built he round 

This or that Christian flock. 
One in their Lord and Shepherd found, 

He sought not bar or lock. 

True to the church his childhood knew, 

He reached all forms above, 
Inspiriting her creed and rites 

By the great life of love. 

The poor and suffering blessed his name; 

Where fierce temptation pressed, 
He reached a strong and helpful hand 

To succor souls distressed. 



ANOINTED 39 

His clear-eyed faith brought comfort down 

To hearts bereaved and riven: 
And little children climbed his knees, 

Sure of a welcome given. 

His gracious dignity of mien, 

His cordial smile and word, — 
What wealth of dear remembrances 

Among his friends are stored! 

"How fallen a Prince in Israel! 

Oh, bitter were the day ! " 
Thus men made moan, and women wept; 

And grief held world-wide sway. 

But listen! On the farther shore 

Sweet sounds the angels' hymn; 
To catch the glory opening there 

Our mortal eyes are dim. 

As angels see, and in God's sight, 

There is no real loss; 
The power of such a life survives — - 

The spirit of the Cross ! 



40 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

His was too large a ministry 
To die with things of earth; 

Its ripening fruit in gathered souls 
Shall prove its richer worth. 

His influence never shall grow less, 
His words ne'er be forgot; 

The halo of the larger life 
Enshrines the earthly spot. 



MIDNIGHT 

Midnight beside the sea! 
The hour is still save for low-plashing waves. 
It is high tide. They, silver-crested, roll. 
And on the red rocks break with murmuring sound. 
All else is wrapped in silence — sleep profound. 
High in the heavens the moon rides royally. 
And sends the largesse of her blessing down. 
Till wave and rock and shore, till bush and tree 
Are clad in pearly radiance not their own : 
Like to the glamour that by love is thrown 
Round all within its clasp's transforming power, 
And shining, not itself, but by love's gracious dowefo 
Pity its dream, so sweet, is but a dream! — What if 
It meet fulfilment on the farther shore? 

41 



INVOCATION 

Abide with us, our gracious Lord! 

Thy Presence still divine 
Repeats the miracle of old, 

And water turns to wine. 
With eyes faith-chrismed we behold 

Thyself in gifts of Thine ! 

We bow in churches built with hands, 
And meet Thy Spirit there; 

Nor less, alone with Thee, we climb 
The holy heights of prayer. 

For never walls have set Thee bounds. 
Thou who art everywhere! 

We roam the forest's leafy aisles. 

And in the stillness hear 
The voice that to the prophet came 

With warning and with cheer. 
42 



INVOCATION 43 

And sometimes wonder (little faith) 
To find our God so near! 

We pitch our tents the sea beside : 

Its diapason grand 
Of crested surge or ebbing tide 

Is written by Thy hand. 
And Thou dost tread its rolling waves 

With gesture of command. 

The power of Thy creative love 

The seraph's wings disclose, 
Not less the beauty shrined within 

The red heart of a rose; 
Nor where, in woods and waters deep, 

The regal lily blows. 

True to their orbits planets move, 

And stars forever shine; 
From the same word grows at our feet 

The partridge-berry vine; 
And bird's nest tilting on the bough 

Bears the like gracious sign. 



44 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And children's "Now I lay me," said 

Beside a mother's knee, 
Rises to Thee, sweet as the song 

Around the jasper sea; 
For angel harps are all attuned 

Unto Love's major key. 

Though weak the human hands that do 
Thy mercy's errands here. 

The helpful deed is more than gold, 
Than frankincense more dear; 

And where love reigns, no room is left 
For aught of doubt or fear. 

And daily life may raise to Thee 

A hymn of richer tone 
Than all the varied minstrelsy 

Earth's vast cathedrals own. 
The soul in Thy great peace shall rest 

That seeks Thy will alone! 



A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

Angel- SONG and harp of gold 
Once the wondrous story told, — 

Christ is born in Bethlehem's plain, 
Born a child, yet King to reign! 

Round His manger reverent stood 
Kings of Orient, wise and good. 

O'er them shone the star that led 
To the Saviour's lowly bed. 

Bethlehem's star hath never set: 
And its song is echoing yet. 

Peace on earthy and unto Thee 
Glory in the highest be ! 
45 



46 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

With the shepherds and the sages, 
And disciples of the ages, 

Bowing down beside Him there, 
Thine unmeasured Gift we share! 

That Thy Christ be born to-day 
In our lives, we. Father, pray. 

Let His spirit consecrate 

All of life, or small or great: 

And His words, our hearts within 
Baffle all approach of sin! 

Born to serve, although a King, 
While from Him our help we bring, 

May that Spirit guide our feet 
In a loving service sweet! 

Peace on earth; and unto Thee 
Glory in the highest be ! 



THE TEA-KETTLE 

Hid in the long green grass it lay, 

A worn, forgotten thing. 
A laborer, on his homeward way, 

Found it beside the spring; 

An old tea-kettle, rusty, bent. 
Long banished from the hearth, 

Where it had blent its cheery song 
With evening's household mirth. 

A fair young bride had used it first, 

And, tripping to and fro, 
With blithesome song, her table spread 

Before the fire's red glow. 

Then little ones had gathered round 

To hear the kettle sing. 
And listen to the stories told 

'Neath twilight's brooding wing. 
47 



48 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And many a tired or sorrowing one 
Sat where that hearth-fire glowed, 

And, grateful, quaffed the cup of tea 
The mother's hand bestowed. 

The house-dog slept there, snug and warm, 

The gray puss by his side, 
And ne'er to any shivering waif 

Was its home cheer denied. 

"Its day is past; it useless lies, 
Hid in this woodland nook," 

The laborer thought; and bent to drink 
From out the sparkling brook. 

But ah ! he started in surprise — 

Its use he had not guessed. 
Within the kettle's ample bowl 

A robin had her nest.^ 

The worthless, old, and worn-out thing 
To human hand and thought, — 
1 A fact. 



THE TEA-KETTLE 49 

To her a castle iron-walled! 

What more would she have sought? 

All one are little things and great 

With Him whose loving care 
Is over bird and realm alike, 

And hears the voiceless prayer. 



THE CRICKET 

Bound for the sunny land Brazil, 

She left the Cadiz shore, 
A vessel strongly built and rigged 

To ride the deep seas o'er; 
And favoring breezes filled her sails 

As nobly on she bore. 

There was a passenger aboard 

That paid no fare in gold; 
But ere the voyage was over, gave 

A price, as shall be told, 
That well outweighed the glittering coin 

As life's not bought or sold. 

A lonely invalid had brought, 
His homesick heart to cheer, 

A cricket from his mother's hearth. 
To have even that so near, 
5° 



THE CRICKET 51 

A sight and sound of home would give. 
The tiny thing was dear. 

The cricket learned to know its friend, 

Would nestle in his coat, 
Come at his call, feed from his hand, 

But did not sing a note. 
"Now, why is this?" he asked. — "Because 

Far out at sea we float. 

"They never chirp but near the shore," 

The sailors answered round. 
But as the fourth blue morning dawned, 

Lo ! an unwonted sound. 
The cricket's chirp! Again: again: 

The watch was faithless found. 

Far out at sea they should have been; 

But in the mist-wrapped night. 
The ship had drifted from her course. 

And lo! steep rocks in sight. 
They cast their anchor, scarce in time, 

With all their hurried might. 



52 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

But for the cricket's warning note, 
Ere dawned another day, 

The noble ship, cast on the rocks, 
Had been the dark wave's prey. 

The tiny creature saved those lives, 
Piping its feeble lay. 

They sailed away along the coast 
For many a toilsome mile; 

And always in the twilight hour 
The cricket sang a while, 

Till rose before their eager sight 
Saint Catalina's Isle! 



BERTQi 

Silent, snow-crowned, the Scottish heights 
Stand glorious in the sunrise lights. 

'Twixt their vast walls green valleys deep 
Are veiled in night and wrapped in sleep. 

Soon, through a window here and there 
Lamps glimmer on the early air. 

The stirring life of day's begun. 
And welcomes the advancing sun. 

Fast, faster roll the mists adown, 
Till morning's glow the valleys crown. 

A little later, breakfast o'er. 

The Highland shepherd leaves his door. 

1 A true incident. 
53 



54 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

In his strong arms his three-years boy, 
The household treasure, hope, and joy. 

His faithful dog is by his side; 
And on before the flock has hied. 

The pleasant hours glide swift away, 
Till one wee lamb is missed — astray. 

The shepherd takes his staff and crook. 
And leaves his child in sheltered nook. 

"Here, Berto, see, your charge is here! 
I leave my bairnie in your care." 

His master's voice good Berto heard, 
And well he understood the word. 

His large brown eyes with gentle grace 
Were lifted to the shepherd's face. 

As he would say, "The trust confessed, 
To guard your child I'll do my best." 



BERTO 55 

O'er rugged crags and beetling rock 
The shepherd sought his scattered flock. 

He found them; and to bring his child 
Turned to re-tread the pathway wild. 

But ah! the mountain mists came round. 
In vain he tried to trace the ground. 

Scarcely a yard before his face 
Could he discern in that lone place. 

Long, long he searched without avail; 
Of child or dog no track nor trail. 

Through scattered clouds the moonlight pale 
Showed him his cottage in the vale. 

For homeward had his wanderings led. 
At earliest dawn again he sped, 

With pitying friends; and for the child 
They searched all day the mountain wild. 



56 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And when their fruitless toil was o'er, 
The mother met them at the door. 

"Nae tidings — nane?" she sadly said. 
"The dog cam home — I gae him bread. 

"He snatched it, and sae fast he ran. 
Whither he went I couldna ken." 

At dawn's first gleam the search renewed. 
For three sad days in vain pursued, 

The self-same tale told every night, — 
The shepherd next watched Berto's flight, 

And, following the line he gave. 
The boy is found in sheltered cave! 

Good Berto close beside him stands, 
And fills with bread the tiny hands. 



COMPENSATION 

The truest words we ever speak 

Are words of cheer. 
Life hath its shade, its valleys deep; 
But round our feet the shadows creep, 

To prove the sunlight near. 
Between the hills those valleys sleep — 

^The sun-crowned hills! 
And down their sides will they who seek, 
With hopeful spirit, brave though meek, 

Find gently flowing rills. 

The snow-star, melting as it flies, 

Involves a life, 
A joy and beauty that shall be 
When Summer, with glad feet and free, 

Treads earth with blossoms rife. 
57 



58 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The seed that in its furrow lies, 

Awaiting spring, 
And winds that blow, and clouds that rise, 
And night that gems with stars the skies, 

A hope, a promise bring. 

For every cloud, a silver light: 

God wills it so. 
For every vale, a shining height; 
A glorious morn for every night; 

And birth for labor's throe. 
For snow's white wing, a verdant field; 

A gain for loss; 
For buried seed, the harvest-yield; 
For pain, a strength, a joy revealed; 

A crown for every cross ! 



A CHURCH IN SWAMPSCOTT 

The village church stands embowered in trees, 
Yet blessed by sunshine and ocean breeze; 
A green oasis 'mid summer heat, 
Sought by old and young with willing feet, 
A little stone church by the sea. 

With greetings one to another they come, 
Like children dear to a Father's home. 
The song of glad worship with bird-note is blent, 
And the prayer of sincerity upward is sent. 
From the little stone church by the sea. 

There may the tempted and sorrowing seek 
Consoling for grief, and strength for the weak. 
There are courage and help in true living for all. 
An answer to every need that shall call, 
In the little stone church by the sea. 
59 



60 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Baptized are the white-robed children there; 
And hands in marriage are clasped with prayer. 
The bread of life to the hungry is given; 
And the dead laid to rest with hope in heaven, 
From the little stone church by the sea. 

Peace o'er the lowly shrine broods like a dove. 
From altar to shore the worshippers rove; 
And time and care and sorrow grow dim, 
Lost in the swell of the tidal hymn. 
Blessed be the church by the sea! 

I found it in roving along the shore. 
Its word of comfort shall live evermore. 
For whatever lands my feet may touch yet, 
I am sure I shall never, never forget 
The little stone church by the sea. 

And when life's fleeting day, with its shadow and light, 
Shall be gathered unto its even, 

And the pearl-gates before me stand open and white. 
It will be a dear memory even for heaven, 
The little stone church by the sea! 



OUR BABY 

Little baby, darling baby, 
Born amid the spring-time air, 
With the angel in thine eyes. 
Blue as ever summer skies, 
'Neath a brow of whiteness rare: 
With the gentle sunlight playing, 
And the fitful shadows straying 
Lightly o'er thy golden hair, 

Darling baby, thou art fair! 

Little baby, happy baby. 
Many an hour dost thou beguile; 
Weariness and pain and care 
Helping to forget or bear, 
By the brightness of thy smile. 
Winsome tones and gleeful playing; 
Almost might we ask delaying 
For thy life-bark 'mid the flowers 

Of thy sportive infant hours. 
6i 



62 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Little baby, loving baby, 
God hath called thee "very good!" 
In His image hath He made thee, 
And with innocence arrayed thee, 
Germ of spotless angelhood ! 
Form like thine He took at birth; 
Cradled, when He trod the earth, 
Such as thee within His breast, — 

Loving baby, thou art blessed! 

Little baby, precious baby, 
With thy birth a bright gift bringing; 
Angels tender watch are keeping 
O'er thy waking, o'er thy sleeping. 
Love's own glory round thee flinging. 
Read we in thee God's evangel! 
Gentle, loving, pure, and lowly. 
Linked with all things true and holy, 

Lovely art thou, household angel. 



A THOUGHT 

The autumn sun is shining bright 
Through woods of golden green; 

And silver-glistening in its light 
The rippling brook is seen. 

A little hand is clasped in mine, 

Small feet beside me stray, 
As down the lane this summer eve 

I take my quiet way. 

The boy's clear laughter echoes wide 
Through all the woodland nook, 

While oak leaves brown for "fishes" glide 
Adown the tiny brook. 

And with a slender forest twig 
To stop their course he tries. 

Then "Mamma, see, an old man's here!" 
In mimicry he cries, 
63 



64 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The tiny hand now grasps a cane; 

The bowing form and head 
And motion slow are copied all, 

With weak and wavering tread. 

O darling! should the snows of time 
Come drifting o'er thy brow, 

God grant thee then to keep a heart 
As innocent as now! 



THE WHEAT-SHEAF 

An Indian-summer afternoon, 

With light so fair and fled so soon, 

The sweet south wind just stirred the grain 
Stacked ready for the farmer's wain. 

And Ronald through the wheat-fields strayed, 
Till suddenly his steps were stayed, 

A child asleep upon the ground, 
Beside a bending sheaf he found. 

Her face and form of dainty mould, 
Her curling hair like burnished gold. 

At some quick word he thoughtless said, 
The child awoke, and, half afraid, 
F 65 



66 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And half inquiring, raised her eyes, 
Blue as the Indian-summer skies. 

"Pray tell me, girlie, what's your name, 
And how it was you hither came." 

"I'm 'Mother's Lily,'" said the child; 
Her fear was banished and she smiled. 

"I've been playing all the day, 
Till my kitten ran away. 

"Then the pretty brook I crossed, 
For I thought she would be lost. 

"I've been seeking all around, 
But no kitty have I found. 

"Then I did not know my way; 
I was tired, and down I lay." 

"Tell me where you live," he said; 
But she only shook her head. 



THE WHEAT-SHEAF 67 

"Never mind; you're safe with me. 
I'll find your mother, as you'll see." 

Some one whom he questioned then 
Said, "The cottage in the glen." 

Through the lane and past the mill, 
And across the rippling rill, 

He carried Lilian to the door 
Where the woodbine clambered o'er; 

While with anxious, grieving thought, 
For her child the mother sought. 

Kitty had come home before; 
Purring, met them at the door. 

Ronald took his homeward way. 
Thinking, "What a lovely day!" 

For the genial sunshine seemed 
Brighter than it erst had gleamed. 



68 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Fairer bloomed the wayside flowers, 
As if brought from Eden's bowers. 

And a gentler breeze swept by, 
Wafting a bird melody. 



A harvest day! In swift years flown, 
The girl to womanhood has grown; 

And Ronald's boyhood given place 

To manly strength and thoughtful grace. 

They wend their way across the rill, 
Through the lane, and past the mill; 

And where the sheaves of ripened grain 
Stand ready for the farmer's wain. 

The fields lie golden in the light; 
The sky is blue, with clouds of white. 

Over the hills and changing woods 
The haze of Indian summer broods. 



THE WHEAT-SHEAF 69 

The star-like aster lifts its head; 
The cardinal is burning red. 

A squirrel runs along the wall, 
And up a chestnut lithe and tall. 

And birds, preparing for their flight, 
Are gathered in the maple bright. 

"Once I led you, darling, home. 
Now again I ask you, — Come ! 

"Take the home that waits for you, 
With an earnest love and true. 

"Forever in my heart enshrined, 
Let your hand my life-sheaf bind." 

Lilian lifts her azure eyes, 
And they give him true replies. 



MARION'S REPLY 

"What shall I bring you, daughter?" 
The father asked his child, 

Ere crossing the Atlantic; 
And in his face she smiled. 

The look of her dead mother 

Is in her lifted eyes. 
"Bring me yourself, dear father," 

The sweet-toned voice replies. 

The "Africa" weighs anchor. 

A thing of life seems she, 
As outward bound she passes 

Across the white-capped sea. 

Young hopes, bright thoughts, go with 
Light hearts and faces glad; 

And varied memories throng her, 
Pleasant and dear and sad. 
70 



MARION'S REPLY 71 

While earnest souls are striving 

Silent to bear their pain 
Of long farewell to dear ones 

They hope to meet again. 

It is but hope — not surety — 

Yet its uplifting power 
Dispels at length the shadow, 

And gilds the parting hour. 

Ah! who can sound the current 

Of all that hidden life 
The vessel onward beareth, 

With joy and sorrow rife? 

When roseate morn is flushing 

■ The waves with ruby light, 
And thoughts of home are rushing 
Like sea-birds' swiftest flight, — 

When Night her star-gemmed mantle 

Spreads o'er the traveller's rest, 
Of what home thoughts and longing 

Are heart and mind possessed! 



72 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Perchance the young wife's eyelids, 
Now closed in lasting sleep, 

Flash upward to his yearning, 
And make his pulses leap. 

And then on memory's tablet 
His daughters' forms arise. 

The soul of the buried mother 
Looks through the childish eyes. 

Her gentle tones are vibrant 
In their young voices clear. 

"Bring me yourself, dear father," 
Comes to his listening ear. 

The pleasant voyage is over; 

The steamer touches land. 
Her starry flag is floating 

Above a foreign strand. 

As one by one he gathers 
Mementoes she will prize, 



MARION'S REPLY 73 

He thinks of Marion's asking, 
The light within her eyes. 

Hope paints the look of pleasure 
With which his gifts she'll view, 

When he shall say, "Here, darling, 
Am I, and keepsakes too." 

Clear, westward breezes swelling. 

The boat has left the strand; 
And through glad hearts are thrilling 

Thoughts of their native land. 

The rose and pearl of morning, 

The sunset's crimson glow. 
Unfurl beyond the leaping waves, 

As swiftly on they go. 

"Ah! Mother Carey's chickens!" 

The burly sailors shout. 
The birds are skimming o'er the tide. 

"There's storm ahead, no doubt!" 



74 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Too true; the skies are changing; 

The mists rise, chill and gray. 
Still on 'midst wind and tempest, 

The good ship makes her way. 

Among the foaming billows 

She tosses like a shell. 
"But courage!" cries the captain, 

"And all shall yet be well." 

The fog-bell gives its warning, 
While lightnings paint the sky; 

And thunder blends with rolling surge 
In awful minstrelsy. 

"The shores of Canada are near! 

Courage, my men! We'll strive, 
With every power of hand and brain, 

To save these souls alive ! " 

Cape Race they're nearly round, — 
What is that fearful shock? — 



MARION'S REPLY 75 

The vessel's run aground! 
She's struck a hidden rock! 

And lips unused to praying 

Call unto God in fear; 
While souls that calmly trust Him, 

In silence feel Him near. 

Amid the dread and anguish 

Of that slow-fleeting hour, 
The loving child's low pleading 

Comes home with deepest power. 

"The Lord be praised! We're nearing 

Newfoundland; danger's past! — 
Now cease your weary pumping! — 

The shore is gained at last. 

Again embark, while safety 

Broods o'er the vessel's prow! 
The shores of bleak New England 

A Paradise seem now. 



76 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The lights of Boston Harbor 
Shine out across her way. 

And with the next morn's breaking, 
She saileth up the bay! 

Home ! Home ! Ay, cast your anchor ! 

The very wharf seems golden : 
And doubly dear the faces 

In gladness now beholden. 

The father meets the shining 

Of love-lit eyes again; 
And in the young arms' twining 

Is compensated pain. 

And who shall say the child-prayer 

Was not around his way? 
A talisman from danger 

Guarding him night and day? 

Again: who says the child-thought 
Could not with angels' blend? 



MARION'S REPLY 77 

The mother to her darling 

Her own prayer might not lend? 

For close they are around us, 

The souls who love us more 
Than when in mortal vesture 

They trod the earthly shore. 



WATCHING FOR A SAIL 

"Come," they are calling, "it is late!" 
Still on the shore I sit and wait. 

Watching for gleams of a distant sail. 
I wait till the blue waves ebbing flow; 
Till the sunset's golden clouds droop low, 

And the sea rocks in the moonlight pale, 
Watch for a coming sail. 

Thus waits the soul on life's wide shore, 
Watching its tide-waves evermore. 

Ever some precious freight they bear. 
Toward or from us, with ceaseless flow, 
Our joys and hope and purpose go: 

And, not less surely, pain and care — 
Love, only, anchors there. 

While thought, with snowy sail spread wide, 
'Mid fancy's glistening foam will ride, 
78 



WATCHING FOR A SAIL 79 

With hope's bright banner all unrolled; 
And retrospection's wave will flow 
O'er treasured scenes of long ago. 

Sea, by the wealth of memory's hold, 
Faint gleam thy pearls and gold! 

There's many a heart awaits with me 
Its loved ones coming o'er the sea, — 

The sea that many a hope doth hide. 
Oh, pity the souls who on life's dim shore 
Watch for the sail that cometh no more ! 

Folded beneath the glistening tide — 
Nay; moored on the other side! 



THE SNOW-BIRD 

One Christmas morn long years ago — 
(Woods, hills, and fields were white with snow) 

Down flew a birdling to my breast, 
And claimed it as her rightful nest. 

We gave her welcome, glad and true^ 
Love's language even birdie knew. 

And since that time our pleasant hearth 
In hours of sadness, hours of mirth, 

Has brighter, warmer, cheerier shone 
For little Snow-Bird all our own. 

We thought that she would always stay, 
And gladden all our homeward way. 
80 



THE SNOW-BIRD 81 

But we forgot her folded wings, 
And only said, She sweetly sings. 

A fear, a dread, is wakened now; 
A shadow rests upon each brow. 

Her longing eyes still upward turn 
Where sunsets gleam and star-fires burn. 

Her spotless pinions seem half spread. 
Oh, must we say indeed, — She's fled? 

Father! we know beyond the skies 
Her lasting home in beauty lies. 

But ah! we fain would keep her yet. 
Till our own day of life shall set. 

May not her bright wing fold again? — 
Thou knowest! We would not complain. 

Yes: shield her from the arrow's flight! 
Spare her a lonely, cheerless night! 



82 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And keep her pure from earthly stain, 
Albeit her safety cost our pain! 

Wide open stands the pearly gate. 
In faith and prayer Thy will we wait. 

A breath of healing, calm and still, 
May yet waft from Thy heavenly hill. 

But soon or late, when comes the day 
That Thou shalt call our bird away, 

Oh, let us catch, if waiting here. 
Thrilled by an earthly grief and fear, 

The radiance of her starry eyes, 
Their love-light, as she upward flies, 

And ere she settles in that nest, 
Hear her clear warble, — "It is best." 

And sometimes let her come again. 
To soothe our worn hearts' weary pain. 

And let the touch of her soft wing 
A holy benediction bring! 



SONG OF THE SNOW-SPIRIT 

Floating down, floating down 

From midnight height, 

In robe of white 

And gleaming crown, 
I come, the gray old earth to fold 
In spotless covering from the cold. 

Wrapped in her breast 

Her fruit and flower 

May safely rest. 

And wait their hour. 

Silent I come, but a harp I bring, 
And a gentle hand may wake its string. 

Loved voices fled 

Greet fancy's ear. 

And summer rills 

Are rippling clear. 
83 



84 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Ye welcome me whose hearts are springing, 
Through whose young dreams the bells are ringing; 

With household song, 

And laugh rung out. 

With skater's glee 

And coaster's shout. 

I lay my hand on the mother's brow; 
It gleams with a softer beauty now. 

Where children sleep 

My wing I spread. 

And fairy dreams 

Around them shed. 

To beds of pain I wend my way, 
With benison of peace, to lay 

On weary hearts 

That wait for rest, 

The healing sleep, 

Of all gifts best. 

A soft, stainless mantle I spread above 

The sleep of those who took with them but love : 



SONG OF THE SNOW-SPIRIT 85 

Love whose quick root, 
Though lost the flower, 
Shall know again 
Its blossoming hour. 

To you with homes and hearth-fires bright, 
A thought of Christ I bring to-night. 

With an earnest hand 

I knock at your door; 

Love one another! 

Remember the poor! 

Fare ye well ! Ye shall see me again 
In the bending sheaves of ripened grain. 

Ye will know not me, 

But I shall be 

In heightened verdure, 

In flower and tree, 

In all that augments the farmer's store 
When harvest-home surrounds his door; 



86 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And gliding like 

A little brook 

Into your hearts. 

Search every nook, 
To find a remnant of my song, 
If it, perchance, shall last so long. 



THE ROSE: A BALLAD 

"Laura, a birthday flower I bring, 

A rose of deepest red. 
Will you accept the offering?" 

A boyish lover said. 

The sky was blue, without a cloud, 
And earth was fair to see. 

The little birds sang sweet and loud; 
The brook hummed merrily. 

While Laura on the threshold stood, 

A girl of beauty rare, 
Just verging into womanhood, 

As yet untouched by care. 

With gentle grace she took the rose. 
Half earnest, half in jest, 
87 



88 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The brightest bud of all he chose — 
"See, Laura, this is best! 

"You'll wear it when the fete is gay 

To-night, for love of me?" 
She, laughing, turned her face away, 
And answered, "You shall see." 

She led the dance; and in her hair 

A rose of deepest red 
Gave answer to her lover's prayer; 

No other word was said. 



Three years have passed. The lad has sailed 

Afar across the wave; 
A seaman's life the one he chose, 

With hopeful soul and brave. 

And Laura sits in vine-clad porch, 

While swift her needle flies; 
The rose of love is on her cheek. 

Its glad light in her eyes. 



THE ROSE: A BALLAD 89 

The owner of a mansion brown 

With all its well-kept land, 
And coupon bonds and banking shares, 

Came suing for her hand. 

"I cannot wear your ring," she said, 

"Your diamonds rich and rare. 
I cannot give you what you ask. 

To tell you is but fair. 

"Nay, urge me not." Her head bent low, 
Her curls her pink cheek sweeping. 

"My heart, if you indeed must know. 
Is in another's keeping." 

"I'll bring you gold, I'll bring you gems, 

And all that wealth can buy. 
A life of dainty leisure yours, 

Your humble servant I ! 

"Why let a fleeting, girlish dream 
Rob you of fortune fair? 



90 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

What if that sailor lad returns? 
What can he with you share? 

" A lowly cottage home, forsooth ! 

And toil from day to day. 
With every penny counted close, 

To keep the wolf away ! " 

He pleaded long — in vain; and left, 

Amazed that she declined 
The honor of his hand and name. 

How could she be so blind ! 

While Laura sat with happy look, 
A pressed rose in her hand. 

"I would not give this flower," she said, 
"For all his gold and land!" 

Her faithful love had its reward. 

Her sailor came one day. 
And Laura, when for bridal crowned. 

Gave heart with hand away. 



THE ROSE: A BALLAD 91 

When years on years had gathered fast. 

She sat, a gray-haired dame, 
Beside her hearth-fire with her Jo, 

And love was still the same. 



TRUST 

"Come out, my nestlings," the mother bird said, 

"And try your wings in the air. 
Come, taste the joy of a wild, free flight! 

The morning is sweet and fair." 

The birdie trusted her promise true, 

And tested his tiny wings. 
And lo, far off in the crystalline blue, 

Just listen, the song he sings! 

O friends, did we only trust the love, 
Than mother's more tender and true, 

Afar, all the mazes of doubt above. 
We'd sing on its golden heights too. 
92 



PATCHWORK 

Much I prize my garden 
Where moss-roses blow; 

Jessamine and violets, 
Lilies pure as snow, 

Crocus bright and daffodils 
By the fountain grow. 

Yet my winter garden 

Shows almost as fair; 
For my fancy grows it 

Into ilowering rare. 
Pleasant recollections 

Richly gathered there. 

Yes; it lies before you 
But a patchwork spread; 

While to me it opens 

Aisles that thought may tread, 
93 



94, ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And a dew-like blessing 
Seems upon it shed. 

See that dainty rose-bud' — ■ 
Snow-white circling round; 

There a tuft of daisies 
On a light pink ground; 

Here a purple heart' s-ease 
With a lily bound. 

These my own dear sisters 
Ever call to mind. 

They the gentle-hearted, 
Faithful, frank, and kind; 

Two here, and one in heaven, 
All in my heart, I find. 

Then a crimson star dropped 
On the soft dark brown 

Tells me of my mother, 
As she wore that gown. 

Dwells she now in glory. 
Wreathed with angel crown. 



PATCHWORK 95 

Ah! well do I remember 

A merry Christmas night, 
When her gift to father, 

Made by her fingers white, 
Was that warm dressing-wrapper, 

Of gray and crimson bright. 

See that quaint old pattern. 

Where looks out a deer 
From a leafy covert! 

That brings grandma near, 
With her lips of kindness, 

And her brown eyes clear. 

Brown stripe and scarlet palm-leaf 

Alternating there, 
Show me dear old grandpa 

In his easy-chair; 
And the firelight flickers 

On his silver hair. 

Good-will and peace are written 
On that broad, calm brow; 



96 



ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Tones of fervent blessing 
Breathe above me now; 

But — my tears are stealing, 
And they must not flow! 

Little checks — a pink and white. 

And a white and blue, 
Here a cherry, there a buff, 

Childhood bring to view, 
Many a scene recalling 

When these all were new. 

Here a dotted azure, 

There a climbing vine, — 

Girlhood's friend bends o'er me! 
Eyes of hazel shine : 

Marion, ever cherished, 
Lays her hand in mine. 

You know I met your brother 
First, in May morning's light. 

I wore that spray of ivy 
Upon the ground of white: 



\ 



PA TCHWORK 97 

Part of my wedding outfit 
Were yonder patterns bright. 

There entwine red roses 

With forget-me-not; 
And the past discloses 

A sweet, tranquil spot, 
Where began our home-life 

In a vine-wreathed cot. 

Ah! those pretty cambrics 

Form a gladsome link; 
Baby's eyes are laughing 

From that dainty pink; 
Blues and buffs are telling 

More than I can think. 

Now, dear, you see my garden, 

A very precious thing! 
Amid its fragrant blossoms 

Love roves on memory's wing; 
And though outdoors it's snowing, 

Here I have always spring ! 

H 



A VALENTINE 

SENT TO A CHILD WITH A PAINTED CARD 

I SEND you, dear, 

A cranberry-vine. 
I hope you'll like 

My valentine. 

When autumn's frosts 
Touch field and hillj 

Sunshine and beauty 
Linger still. 

And when life's snows 
Come floating down, 

A brave, true soul 
Then wears its crown. 



THE PET DOVE 

It was a lovely summer day 
When Linda, in the woods at play, 

Found a young cushat-dove. 
With bruised wing he, trembling, lay 
On mossy bank beside her way. 

His meek eyes won her love. 

She gently raised him from the ground. 
And took him home; the hurt she bound,. 

And gave him watchful care. 
Ere long the injured wing was well; 
And he had learned her step to tell, 

Her place at table share. 

For he would on her shoulder light. 
And many a crumb and dainty bite 
She gave her gentle pet. 
99 



100 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

" Snowball " she named the pretty bird, 
And he would heed her lightest word, 
Nor did her care forget. 

And though he often flew away, 
He always came at close of day, 

Or just a while before; 
And tapping on the window pane, 
Would ask to be let in again, 

Or fly through vine-wreathed door. 

But sickness laid the bright head low. 
And anxious watchers come and go, 

Where silently she lies. 
The little dove flew round and round; 
His gentle friend could not be found. 

Nor hear his pleading cries. 

"Mother," she said, "please raise the sash, 
That I may feel the cool air dash 
Across my forehead — so." 



THE PET DOVE 101 

The curtain fluttered in the breeze; 
The sunlight glistened through the trees; 
Swift wings waved to and fro. 

And with a low, soft, joyous note 
Rufiding the rainbow-tinted throat, 

He flew down to her breast; 
And brooding that kind heart above, 
Gave her back truly love for love, 

And thus she went to rest. 

Not the dread sleep the watchers thought, 
But one with healing influence fraught. 

With grateful heart of prayer, 
The mother sat beside the bed. 
And owned a twofold blessing shed — 

The Dove of Peace was there. 



A CHRISTMAS ROBIN 

It was Christmas Eve, and all around 

The snow lay white on the trees and ground. 

The sunset glowed like a sea of fire, 
Turning to gold the village spire. 

The church was open, and warm and bright. 
Through its colored windows shone the light. 

While dark-leaved holly and climbing vine 
Did every lamp and pillar entwine. 

An old man came slowly across the way. 
The church was the charge of Grandpa Grey. 

With lantern and keys he trudged along. 
And hummed as he went a Christmas song. 



A CHRISTMAS ROBIN 103 

But he never noticed overhead 

A brown-coated birdie with breast so red. 

And the little robin, hungry and cold, 

Flew through the porch with the janitor old. 

There, sheltered and safe from every harm, 
He slept on the stair-rail, snug and warm. 

In the morning he spied the berries red. 

''Here's a feast," he chirped, as his wings he spread. 

The chimes rang out, and the children came, 
With songs of praise to the Holiest Name ! 

Another glad carol burst overhead! 

It came from the robin with breast so red. 

In Merrie England this story was found, 

Where the redbreast robin stays all the year round. 



MY PETS 

Dear playmates of childhood, 

And in riper years, 
My friends and companions, 

In joy and 'mid tears, — 

What comfort in sorrow, 
What deep, faithful love, 

Sincere and unselfish, 
All interest above! 

And now that life's sunset 

Is glowing before. 
And my bark is fast nearing 

The wide golden shore. 

Not least 'mid the bright hopes 
That throng round my way, 
104 



MY PETS 105 

And herald the dawning 
Of heaven's new day, 

Is the joy of yet meeting 

The dumb friends I love: 
That they have some part 

In the mansions above. 

That some gracious heaven 

Ingathers them all, 
Where they rove, free and happy, 

At least within call. 

It would hardly be heaven 

If they were not there. 
Who in loving communion 

My daily life share. 

They give generous service. 

True, faithful, and kind; 
And waiting to greet me, 

My pets may I find! 



A SEPTEMBER DAY 

The summer's scorching heat is past, 

And night-dews earlier fall, 
The sober, brown-clad toad chirps soft 

Beneath the wayside wall. 

"Cheep, cheep!" So like a little bird! 

The birds are taking wing; 
But all say not good-by as yet, 

To come again with spring. 

The little brown birds still are round, 
To pick up crumbs or grain. 

We watch them gathering for their flight 
Afar o'er land and main. 

We watch them with perchance a thought 
Of Him whose constant care 
1 06 



A SEPTEMBER DAY 107 

Guideth alike the planet's course 
And bird-wing in mid-air. 

A thought of love that crowns the year 

With its fair harvest-home, 
And spreads its benison of joy 

Where'er our feet may roam. 

What lavish beauty nestles close 

In every quivering leaf, 
In every ear of tasselled corn, 

In every bending sheaf ! 

The bloom of peach and grape and pear, 

The gold of ripening grain. 
The mist-wreaths in, blue distance fair, 

O'er river, hill, and plain. 

The busy squirrel's harvest-home. 

The rabbit's moss-grown nest; 
The star-like aster in the grass. 

The cardinal's red breast. 



108 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The forest green, not yet reclothed 

In all its glory strange; 
Wafting on spicy breath the word, 

Not death, — but only change ! 

The rough, gray rocks, the pebbly shore, 

Whereon the surf is cast; 
The sea — its crested, shining waves. 

Its diapason vast! 

All these are gathered round thy way, 
And bless thy day of birth. 

The morning's light hath shown to thee 
A fair and crowned earth. 

And like that earth thy life hath borne 

A fruitage rich and sweet: 
And homes await with lightened hearts 

The coming of thy feet. 

For song of bird and bloom of fruit, 
And gold of autumn's grain, 



A SEPTEMBER DAY 

And breath of hidden, wayside flowers, 
Thy presence brings again. 

Even when the silent angel comes, 

His touch is only kind: 
The well-spring of immortal youth 

Is in thy heart and mind. 



109 



JOHN 

A FOOTFALL hushcd — and a starry sky! 
A mother's pain — and a baby's cry! 
It touched her heart with a wondrous joy. 
She looked on the face of her infant boy, 
And called him John! 

Silent she lay, with a blessed rest 
Brooding, dove-like, o'er the sheltering breast, 
Where the little one nestled, and drew his life. 
While her thoughts with dreams of his future were rife. 
Her baby John! 

He shall bear his grandfather's honored name, 
And win, like him, good fortune and fame. 
She tries to look through the coming years. 
All glowing with hope, unshadowed by fears, 
For little John! 



JOHN 111 

Ah, yes! But the angels came one day, 
And hovered o'er where the baby lay. 
In tender arms they bore him afarj 
And lo! on his forehead shone a star. 
Sweet baby John! 

It might have been; but we cannot be sure. 
For hydra-headed temptation may lure 
Our loved ones' feet from the pleasant ways; 
Or sorrow and pain may darken their days. 
Not so with John ! 

To health redundant, immortal youth, 
The range of a world whose name is Truth, 
A tireless frame and clear-seeing eyes, 
A buoyant hope and a glad surprise, 
Has wakened John! 

Safe and sheltered in angel care, 
He has grown to youth and manhood where 
The gems of knowledge lie broadcast still. 
And no frailty hinders the eager will. 
Be glad for John ! 



112 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Half a century's passed since the day 
They laid the baby form away, 
Beneath the grasses and blooming rose. 
What to him doth heaven disclose? 
lis guest is John ! 

Well may I believe that a brother's eyes 
Look oft, even now, where my life-path lies; 
That his hand is beckoning the upward slope, 
Where wait steadfast love and boundless hope, 
For me, with John ! 

I shall pass, in God's time, the pearly gates. 
Who is this strong, bright angel that waits, 
With cordial welcome of voice and eyes? 
Not least 'mid heaven's joy and surprise, 
My brother John ! 

Mine is the path that toils o'er the hill: 
His, like the flight of a bird singing still. 
True, in the Father's sight both ways are blest; 
Yet his is the easier, speedier quest. 
Safe home is John! 



JOHN 113 

Then call not bitter or dark the day 
When the baby boy seemed to flit away. 
Immortal life so easily won! 
Through the door of eternal joy passed on 
My brother John! 



A BIRTHDAY SONNET 

TO REV. S. D. R. 

72D Birthday 

If grateful thoughts a blessing bring, 

To gild the homeward way, 
As we thy hand in friendship hold, 

Such thoughts are thine to-day. 
Thy years have gathered pearls and gold 

That cannot waste away. 
Along their shining, upward slope, 

Scattered for others' need. 
The pearls of fitly-spoken truth, 

The gold of kindest deed. 
Like fairy pearls and fairy gold, 
Return to thee a thousand-fold. 
And weave for thee a fadeless crown. 
That glows the brighter as life's sun goes down. 
114 



INASMUCH 

A LITTLE homeless, orphaned child 

Lies cradled on my breast; 
And in the shining of her eyes 

I know a holier Guest! 

Her tiny hand knocked at my heart 

With power not all its own; 
And when I gave her home and love, 

She entered not alone. 

Dear Lord, I thank Thee who hast given 

This precious faith to me, 
That who receiveth one of these, 

In truth receiveth Thee! 

And sure of Thine abiding, Lord, 
As that I live to-day, 
"5 



116 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

I take Thy gift, I trust Thy word, 
And go my quiet way. 

And Thou dost prove that word of cheer 

In every day and hour. 
Thy comfort and Thy peace have come, 

Thy Spirit's living power. 

Though frail my hand and will and life, 
Thou, Thou art by my side ! 

I leave the far result with Thee, 
And in Thy shadow hide. 



. A BIRTHDAY WISH 

What shall I ask for thee, Annie, — 

A birthday wish for thee — 
That thy life may flow on ever 

Like a rippling summer sea; 
That flowers entwine thy forehead, 

Yet never wound thee a thorn, 
And length of days bear with it 

The gladness of childhood's morn? 

This cannot be, I know, Annie, 

No life is wholly free. 
Sorrow hath touched thee already : 

More may yet fall to thee. 
But whatever be thy lot, dear. 

The griefs and joys that come 
Like angel hands shall meet thee. 

And lead to the Father's home. 
117 



118 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

In the land beyond the river 

Are the flowers of fadeless bloom; 
There, with no cloud of parting, 

Love hath its lasting home. 
But this life is all illumined 

With such hope set before: 
And thou at last shalt anchor 

Safe on the Golden Shore! 



ROBIN REDBREAST 

I SAT by my table writing, 

But my heart was heavy as lead. 

I could put no joy or spirit 
Into a word that I said. 

Afar across the ocean 

Was the friend I loved the best; 
And the longing for that dear presence 

Grew stronger, while unconfessed. 

And a child's sweet face beside me 
Seemed pictured, living and fair; 

But her grave is o'ergrown with daisies, 
And my heart' s-ease is planted there. 

I pushed away the paper, 
And laid aside the pen. 
119 



120 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

"It is no use this morning," 
I said; "I'll try again." . 

Then spake my little handmaiden, 
With red eyes and heaving breast: 

"I've had a message from home, ma'am, 
And I am sore distressed. 

"My mother, I fear me, is sick, ma'am; 

Can you spare me a little while? 
Indeed and I will be quick, ma'am!" 

She waited; she caught a smile. 

"Yes, go, Kate!" — Away like a lapwing 
She sped through the village street. 

I set about clearing the table, 
And making my parlor neat. 

And with scarce a thought of the doing — 
From habit rather than will — 

I stood at the door with my bread-tray. 
And scattered the crumbs o'er the sill. 



ROBIN REDBREAST 121 

For comradeship sweet I am holding 

With many a feathery guest; 
And a robin redbreast, beholding, 

Flew down from a neighboring nest. 

Another and then another, 

A wren and a yellow-breast too; 
While an oriole perched on the rose-bush, 

And watched to see if it would do. 

The oriole was a newcomer; 

The rest had been there before; 
And soon I had quite a party 

Gathering the crumbs round the door. 

And then the dear little robin 

Gratefully stayed on the sill, 
When his friends had all departed, 

Singing with cordial good-will. 

It seemed to bring me a message, 
A word of comfort and cheer. 



122 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The song that the redbreast robin 
Warbled so loud and clear. 

And my heart was not so heavy, 
The day was not so long 

For the tiny bird in the doorway, 
Singing his merry song. 



THE REFUSAL 

The lights from the Father's House shine out, 
And radiate far on the wintry way. 

A welcome that banishes fear and doubt 
Awaiting us, every one, to-day. 

It is cold without, and dark and lone. 

I scarce can find a path for my feet. 
The road is rough, and with briars o'ergrown. 

Oh friends long lost, shall we ever meet? 

Weak and half famished, I wander on — 
Oh yes, I know there are food and cheer. 

Shelter and warmth, and light and love. 
In the Father's House, so strong, so near. 

But that House is ancient, do you not see? 
Countless the feet that have trod its floor. 
123 



12+ ALOHA AND OriiER POEMS 

And where would my freedom of thought then be, 
If content to enter its pearly door! 

The larger life awaits me outside, — 
Freedom to rove at my own sweet will ! 

True, there are dangers of storm and tide, 

Of beetling crags, and streams dark and chill. 

I might trust, and trusting might enter in; 

Shielded forever and saved and blessed. 
In the life where duty is crowned with love, 

And cheerful ministry one with rest. 

But the faith of Christ is an olden one: 
The path He led is narrow and worn. 

So come, my brothers, across the waste. 

And rejoice in wandering, poor and forlorn. 

"Why will ye die?" — Lo, the call rings out 
From many a turret, window, and door ! 

The Father's House is safe, warm, and bright: 
But better the desolate, dreary moor! 



THANKSGIVING MORNING 

"An extra measure," the farmer said, 

As he mixed his horses' feed; 
"An extra measure of oats and corn 

For Tom and Charlie and Tweed! 

"Another forkful of hay rake down 
To Brindle and Mottle and Flossy; 

A dipper of scalded meal all round; 
And don't neglect the bossy! 

"Throw plenty of corn to the chickens, John, 
And let the roof-pigeons come too. 

At dinner-time. Tabby, you and your kits 
Shall have meat and pudding and stew." 

"Bow-wow!" — "Why, Trusty, my good old dog, 
Think I had forgotten you? 
125 



126 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

There's a slice of raw beef on the pantry shelf! — 
With turkey bones, won't that do?" 

The farmer smiled, but he sighed as well, 

"It's little enough," said he, 
"That I can do for these humble friends 

That every day serve me. 

"But I'll try as I may to bless their lives; 

I'll give them kindness and care; 
And I'll not deny, when my table's spread. 

To all a Thanksgiving share." 

There was right good cheer in the farmer's house, 

And happy the family life; 
For the man who is kind to beast and bird 

Will be kind to children and wife. 



THANKSGIVING 

Up from the east the golden sun 

Speeds his exultant way, 
Parts the rose-curtains of the dawn, 

And brings a festal day. 

The day our children gather round. 
Our absent ones come home, 

And household bands are knit again 
And feet forget to roam. 

And as our homeward way grows short, 

As rounds our harvest-year, 
We cull the blessings of the past, 

Look forward without fear. 

Yet, Father, it were little worth 
If at such times alone 
127 



128 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The grateful song from church and hearth 
Wing upward to Thy throne. 

But as the sign and tender grace 

Of constant gratitude, 
The soul that knows Thy hiding-place 

Will find it sweet and good. 

This day, with its abounding cheer 
Round our own fire and board, 

We scarce can choose but help and bless 
The needy of our Lord ! 

Where'er is spread the brooding wing 

Of sickness, pain, or grief, 
Let heart and hand and voice be swift 

To minister relief! 

May daily life more helpful grow, 

From selfish aims set free. 
Thy gift unmeasured still bestow, 

A likeness unto Thee ! 



THANKSGIVING 129 

And grant us so to live that when 
These glad days Thou hast given 

Shall all be past, they still shall leave 
The harvest-home of heaven! 

K 



HARVEST-HOME 

We bless Thy hand, O God, in all 
The wide-spread harvest yield, 

The loving kindness that has crowned 
Our garden and our field. 

We bless Thee for our sheltered homes, 

With their affection true; 
With all their wealth of social joy, 

And scope Thy work to do. 

For all that tends to spirit growth 

And larger liberty; 
Anoints our eyes to clearer sight, 

And holds us nearer Thee ! 

For all that makes Thy comfort dear. 
That brings us strength and grace; 
130 



HAR VES T-HOME 131 

And aids us e'en through clouds to see 
The shining of Thy face ! 

We bless Thee for the tiny feet 

That walk beside us here; 
For childhood's merry music sweet, 

Its trust that knows no fear. 

And for the little ones who stayed 

Within our homes awhile; 
And left with us the angel-grace 

Of parting word and smile. 

Not for our pain — our breaking hearts — 

O God ! we cannot bring 
Our thanks for these : but over all 

The shadow of Thy wing ! 

Thou hast not left our souls alone; 

In ways unknown, unsought, 
Thy love sustaining power hath shown, 

Its nameless comfort brought. 



132 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

That they have lived, we thank Thee, Lord! 

That they are still our own; 
And thin the veil that hides from us 

The glory round them thrown, — 

The glory of Thy gift and grace. 
That now, with clasping hand, 

We walk within, and see Thy face. 
And need not understand. 

That not afar doth lie their home. 

Nor ever change their love ! 
Our Father's mansions hold us all, 

Though seeming to remove. 

Thanks for our sweet home-gathering, Lord! 

Our cup that runneth o'er! 
For the communion of Thy saints. 

We bless Thee even more. 

We bless Thee for our faith and hope. 
The promise Thou hast given; 



HAR VES r-HOME 133 

And for the glorious harvest-home 
That waits for us in heaven! 

For Him who came that home to point, 

To lead the living way, — 
The Child in Bethlehem's manger born. 

We thank Thee most to-day. 



A GUEST 

A LITTLE bird lights at thy door; 
One that has been there before. 
Waiting all the livelong day, 
Tapping gently, hear her say, 
" Prithee, prithee, let me come 
To thy heart and to thy home." 

Not a bird of brilliant dyes. 
Clarion song, or rainbow eyes; 
But a quiet, brown-clad thing, 
With no wild, far-soaring wing; 
And the place she liketh best 
Is her nestling in thy breast. 

Yet one treasure can she bring 
In the shelter of her wing, — 
A brighter bird, with joyous note 
Bursting from his tiny throat; 
134 



A GUEST 135 

Golden-plumed and starry-eyed, 
Ever happiest at thy side. 

Do not turn thy bird away, 
Though she sings an humble lay. 
For her flight may not be long: 
Brief, at best, will be her song. 
Bright the spirit-land awaits; 
But before she pass its gates, 

She would sing to thee awhile. 

And with love's low notes beguile 

Hours of weariness and pain; 

Through the sunshine, through the rain. 

Ever singing at thy side. 

Prithee let her there abide! 



Well, it seemed a foolish song. 
Long ago — oh, very long ! 
But if now that bird should come, 
She would find my heart her home. 



136 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Little cared I then: but now 
What I've lost I sadly Jcnow. 

Would she hover near my door — 
But she seeketh me no more. 
Cold and stern I turned away; 
Nevermore again she'll say, 
"Prithee, prithee, let me come 
To thy heart and to thy home." 

Nothing I can do or say 
Now can change my lonely way. 
She has parted with her trust: 
All went with it — it is just! 
She will build her nest no more 
In the shadow of my door. 

Pure and free her flight, though lone; 

Never can I call my own 

Love that waited long, and bore 

Cruel heedlessness of yore. 

Yes, she waited long for me; 

Now she is forever free. 



A GOLDEN WEDDING 

"Yes, John, it will be fifty years 
When comes next Tuesday night, 

Since we here in this very room 
Our faithful troth did plight. 

"And happy years they've truly been, 

Although beset by care; 
Though some sad hours have entered in, 

And grief has had its share. 

"For we have loved each other, John, 
Through all life's shine and shade; 

And now we're journeying to the land 
Whose flowers shall never fade. 

"The young folks want a party, John, 
Our Golden Wedding night. 
137 



138 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

They say they will arrange it all, 
And dress us both just right. 

"I'd rather wear my cashmere brown, 
And cap with ribbon blue; 

Just have the children all come home — 
But, John, what shall we do?" 

The old man turned: the moonlight lay 

Full on his silver hair. 
As closer to her side he drew 

His comfortable chair, 

"We'll let the children have their way 
With dance and feast and song; 

With Chinese lanterns in the trees. 
And band and merry throng. 

"But we will take bay Charlie, dear. 

And the old easy 'shay'; 
And in the woods, beside the lake. 

We'll have our quiet day. 



A GOLDEN WEDDING 139 

"We'll take a basket well supplied, 

With bottled coffee clear, 
And rolls and chicken, fruit and cake, 

And have our picnic cheer. 

"We'll loose old Charlie from the shafts; 

And from the harness free. 
He'll crop the grass, drink from the brook, 

And rest 'neath the oak tree. 

"The birds will sing amid the boughs. 

The sweet June breezes blow. 
And we'll be girl and boy again. 

Through the old paths we'll go. 

"And thus — just you and I — we'll keep 

Our Golden Wedding day. 
The young folks like a party rush : 

But — it is not our 7vav." 



SWAMPSCOTT BAY 

Twinkle the lights on Swampscott Bay; 

Quiet the ships at anchor ride. 
The sunset banners of parting day 

Are mirrored back in the rising tide. 

The coast of Nahant is clear to-night; 

No mist obscures the Swallows' Cave; 
On the Swampscott shore, its windows alight, 

Stands the Lincoln, named for the just and brave. 

Red glow the cliffs on Fisherman's Beach, 
Where the blue waves, rolling, toss the spray, 

White as a Naiad's veil, o'er their feet, 
Rising and falling in mimic play. 

Egg Rock seems castled 'mid the surf; 
Bright gleams its beacon-sign of cheer. 
140 



SWAMPSCOTT BAY 141 

While sweet through gathering twilight falls 
A chime of bells on the listening ear. 

wondrous beauty that never tires! 

Of sea and shore, of rock and spray! 
With a keen regret I leave you all, 
But only to come another day. 

The winter storms are near at hand; 

My home and many interests call. 
But summer will clothe anew the earth; 

And white-capped waves on the beach will fall. 

Again I shall traverse the sun-lit shore, 

If I longer stay on the earthly side. 
But e'en if my life-bark soon crosses o'er 

The rippling crest of that other tide, 

1 shall come again in the spirit form. 

And look on the beauty of wood and sea. 
It is but good-night — not forever farewell — 
The word is deep thou hast brought to me. 



ANSWERED 

You say she never loved you: 
It may be that is true. 

She loved a fair ideal, 

And dreamed*that it was you. 

Lit by her girlish fancy, 

It seemed to wear your face; 

But years brought disillusion! 
Ah, what a fall from grace! 

Too late her eyes were opened; 

Her hopes afar are flown. 
Her rosy dream is vanished. 

For bread you gave a stone. 

Stripped of its thin disguises, 
Your life has brought its proof. 

142 



ANSWERED 143 

She has seen the cruel horns; 
She has seen the cloven hoof. 

And you — you have cast from you 

A love too pure and true 
To link itself with baseness. 

Ah, no J she loved not you. 



LOOKING TOWARDS JERUSALEM 

In Babylon a captive 

Defied the royal will; 
With windows open towards his home, 

Jerusalem's fair hill, 

Knelt daily in communion 
To own the King of kings: 

And felt 'mid greatest peril 
The shadowing of His wings. 

It failed not of fruition, 

That faith so clear and strong. 

"My God hath sent His angel," 
Rang his triumphant song, 

"And held the savage lions, 
That they no harm have done. 
144 



LOOKING TOWARDS JERUSALEM 145 

Safe are Thy children in Thy might, 
O Everlasting One ! " 

So may we, let and hindered 

By many a cross and care, 
Like captives in a foreign land, 

Link daily life with prayer. 

Throw open wide the windows 

That God hath given the soul, 
And hallow earthly sojourn 

With heavenly love's control. 

Who look out on the needy, 

With heart and hand of cheer, 
Find their own burden lightened, 

Their own sky grown more clear. 

Who look beyond earth's trouble. 
On where the pearl gates shine, 

Will see the shadows lessen, 
And water turn to wine. 

L 



146 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The buds of hope are bursting 
On every green-leaved bough; 

And heaven, in its beginning, 
Is with us here and now. 

Temptation's power is loosened, 
Swept by that purer air; 

And daily duty glorified, 
And lightened every care. 

Unto the New Jerusalem 

We fain would lift our eyes; 

And in the shining of her heights 
Read the old prophecies. 

With every breeze there blendeth 
Some sign or gracious word; 

And every outlook tendeth 
Straight unto Thee, our Lord! 

The window that is nearest 
We do not always see; 



LOOKING TOWARDS JERUSALEM 147 

But leave its blind's mute closing 
Between our souls and Thee! 

We might draw back the curtain 
With hand that faith hath nerved; 

And see in raptured vision 
The glory that's reserved. 

The faces of our loved ones 

Beyond that open door; 
And all our longing silence 

Be vocal evermore. 

They walk with Thee in whiteness, 

In joy yet unconceived. 
We miss a world of comfort: 

We have but half believed. 

Among Thy many mansions 

They find their fitting place; 
Still close enough for hand-clasp, 

Did we take heart of grace. 



148 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The blessing of communion 
We might have now and here; 

Their life and ours in union; 
What seems so far, most near. 

And yet amid the shadows 
We sit and idly grieve, — ■ 

The while there waiteth for us 
More than our fancies weave 

Around our future heaven; 

And, sure as thai shall be, 
He hath the life immortal, 

Who hath Thy Christ and Thee! 



CROWNED 

Another foot the golden stair hath pressed: 
Another soul hath entered into rest. 
"So strange it is," short-sighted mortals say, 
" Such useful lives should have so brief a day ! " 
Yes, it were passing strange, if earth were all 
The field of their blessed mission, and the call 
To "Come up higher," meant to lay aside 
Love's holy deeds, like boats just stranded at low tide. 
But not thus see the angels or their Lord, 
And every Providence fulfils His gracious word. 
The life whose seed-time here was beautiful and bright, 
To full fruition springs in heaven's refulgent light; 
Still holds in deepest love and tenderest thought its own; 
And o'er the old home-haunts its benisdin is thrown. 

149 



OUR LILY 

A YOUNG, fair flower, a lily bright, 

Within our home, 
Spread her pure petals to the light 

In fragrant bloom. 

We nursed and watched, and hour by hour 

Fresh beauty grew. 
With sunshine's kiss and baptism 

Of heaven's dew. 

One morning came an angel-guest 

Our threshold o'er. 
And with our lily on his breast 

Passed from the door. 

Our passionate tears, our pleading wild, 
They had no might. 
150 



OUR LILY 151 

He raised his hand, and, pitying, smiled; 
Then took his flight. 

Though even faith can hardly say 

That it is well, 
We yet may see it when again 

With her we dwell. 

What might have been we may not know 

If she had stayed. 
Perchance this earth had kept for her 

Less light than shade. 

Forever safe from storm and blight, 

Our cherished flower 
Unfolds her petals pearly white 

In heaven's bower. 

Our mission here with gladsome hope 

Let us fulfil: 
Then find her, even lovelier grown, 

Our lily still! 



TILL HE COME! 

Till He come! The distant future 

Golden with His promise gleams. 
Care and pain and grief shall vanish 

Like the vanishing of dreams. 
Chance and change shall cease from troubling, 

Throw no shadow on our rest; 
Love our every joy redoubling, 

In that country of the blessed! 

Till He come! With such a guerdon, 

Well may we be patient here; 
Faithful in our daily duty, 

Bearing even pain with cheer. 
If we part, it is a moment; 

Meet we there forevermore ! 
Frail our bark, but sure our Pilot, 

Guiding to the shining shore. 
152 



TILL HE COME! 153 

Till He come! Dear Lord, forgive us 

That sometimes we know Thee not! 
That we dream Thy blessed presence 

Bound by any hour or spot! 
Look we forward to life's closing 

While Thou walkest by our side; 
Though Thou standest in our doorway 

At the hush of eventide. 

Thou art here! In every bird-note, 

Every stir of leaf and flower, 
Every smile our loved ones give us, 

Lies the hiding of Thy power! 
Every chance to do a kindness 

Opens wide Thy pearly gate; 
While we, longing, but in blindness, 

Idly for Thy coming wait. 

Till He come! O soul, be watchful! 

Reach out hands of help and cheer! 
Through a life of loving service, 

Lo, the Master draweth near! 



154 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Thou shalt find Him waiting, blessing, 
Crowned with grace and clad with might, 

'Mid the shadows of the valley 
As the shining of the height! 



THE IVY PROMISE 

A friend's dear gift, an ivy vine 
Round my bay-window to entwine, 
Adorns it as it were a shrine. 

A tiny slip when planted there; 
Now a full vine, and green and fair, 
Upspringing into light and air. 

When longing for a vanished look, 

A voice more sweet than bird or brook, 

I sit alone in quiet nook. 

It seems to bear a word of cheer. 

For through the winter, cold and drear. 

It kept a thought of spring-time near. 

It flourishes amid decay: 
And by its verdure seems to say, 
Rejoice! There cometh a new day! 
15s 



156 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

E'en though the grave may hide the face, 
The eyes of light, the form of grace, 
That made thine arms its resting-place, — 

And though thy heart will grieve indeed, 

And to thine hour of bitter need. 

No comfort come through form or creed, — 

Yet trust alone the tender care 
That guides the tiniest wing in air! 
Believing, pray: and live thy prayer. 

In daily duty nobly met, 

In kindness shown, thy life shall yet 

Be to some hidden music set. 

The tiny plant of hope shall grow, 

Though how or where thou mayst not know; 

An angel-presence with thee go. 

The little child, so sweet, so dear, 

As truly thine as ever here, 

Is not estranged by loftier sphere. 



THE IVY PROMISE 157 

She dwells with angels. Yes, but they 
Will never lead her heart astray. 
As erst she loved, she loves to-day. 

Some blessed Easter morn shall rise, 

When to thy faith-anointed eyes 

Thine own shall come — a rare surprise ! 

Not till the hour when earth is past, 
Shalt wait for this, — although at last 
God gives a conscious joy more vast, — 

But now and here thy life shall be 
One with the life so dear to thee, 
That blossoms in eternity. 



MANIFEST 

Not in the wind or rocking earth, 

Nor in the scorching fire; 
But in the quiet of the hearth, 

Come Thou, our souls' Desire ! 

Speak with the voice the prophet heard. 
With strength and comfort fraught. 

Let our uplifted lives declare 
The beauty of Thy thought! 

Those lives Thy love shall consecrate 
With kindest deeds abloom; 

Thy truth set free, Thy hope inspire, 
Thy peace dispel their gloom. 

Not with the pomp of heraldry, 
But silent and alone, 
158 



MANIFEST 159 

In daily miracle of grace 
Thou comest to Thine own. 

They shall not cry, Lo, here ! Lo, there ! 

Thy witness is within: 
And home and mart give ample scope 

For victory over sin. 

Thy sweetest incense is the trust 

That finds in Thee its rest: 
And cheerful, loving ministries 

The prayers that please Thee best. 

No bonds of creed or ritual hold 

The soul Thou makest free. 
The secret of Thy love abides 

With those who follow Thee ! 

No prying eye, no careless hand 

Can reach that hidden shrine. 
Where souls, communing with their Lord, 

Have seen His face to shine. 



TARRY NOT!i 

O MY soul, He doth not tarry: 
Thou dost but mistake His ways. 

Day and night His blessings carry; 
Bird and seraph hymn His praise. 

O my heart, so slow to trust Him 
Recognize Him where He stands ! 

Thou art waiting, doubting, looking 
For the wound-prints in His hands, — 

While the spirit of His glory 

All thy life might flood with grace: 

While thou mayst sleep in His shadow, 
And on waking see His face ! 

*"Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God! ' 

i6o 



THE PATIENCE OF HOPE 

Thou mayst not limit to a day 

The prayers that from thy need arise. 

Trust with thy Lord the time and way: 
His answer may be thy surprise. 

But when His purpose is made known, 
And when the door wide open stands, 

With heart sure stayed on Him alone, 
Rouse to the action life demands. 

Not idly sitting in the sun 

Brings promised blessing from above; 
But cheerful, daily duty done. 

All in His strength and for His love. 

For Jacob's ladder, round by round. 
Rises from earth to meet the sky. 
M i6i 



162 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

There angels, as of old, are found. 
And we must climb who cannot fly. 

You, more than all, whose souls are let 
Into the mother's joy and pain. 

Who grieve because you see not yet 
The waving of the ripening grain, 

Take heart! No effort shall be lost. 

God sends back no unanswered prayer. 
The seed you sow at bitter cost 

Hath love's fruition, here or there. 

You may not bind the harvest sheaves; 

You may not sing the harvest song. 
But while your heart in Him believes, 

His time is sure — if short or long. 

Your wearied hands may folded lie — 
Closed be your eyelids to all tears — 

Ere in the lives to yours most nigh, 
The growing grace of Christ appears. 



THE PATIENCE OF HOPE 163 

Yet, calm in trust, with patience wait: 
And Patience is no sad-faced guest; 

No beggar crouching at the gate. 
She comes, of royal gifts possessed. 

Her eyes' clear light from heaven is caught. 

Her silent feet with peace are shod. 
Her robes of white are angel-wrought. 

She bears the benison of God. 

O faithful mothers, all is well! 

Lift your worn faces to the light! 
Though in the shadow yet you dwell, 

The morning breaks upon the height! 



THE PEARL OF PRICE 

Thine is the golden summer light 

On lake and shore that lies ! 
Thanks for this wide-spread beauty, Lord! 

More for anointed eyes! 

That look to Thee through all Thy gifts, 

And find Thee everywhere : 
The faith that makes our gladness praise, 

Our daily work a prayer. 

That sees in flower and bird and shell 

A message heaven-sent; 
That meets Christ by the wayside well, 

And takes the gift He meant. 

The faith that makes the lowliest life 
Some ray of glory wear: 
164 



THE PEARL OF PRICE 165 

And reads Thy signs of Fatherhood 
In all things sweet and fair. 

Whose subtle alchemy transmutes 

Our bitterest grief and pain; 
And shows us in Thy crucible 

No ore is fused in vain. 

That keeps our parted ones still ours: 

Illumines all life's page: 
And grasps the future's glorious hope, 

A present heritage ! 



QUESTIONING 

"Tell me, mother, tell the story 
Of the Christ-Child's holy birth; 

Of the shepherds and the singing; 
How the angels came to earth." 

Thus he pleaded, little Jamie, 
Lying on his couch of pain; 

Pleaded for the sweet old story 
To be told to him again. 

For the tiny feet were hasting 
To the land of fadeless flowers; 

And the fevered form was wasting; 
Life was counted by its hours. 

So she tried to tell the story — 
Could not tell it as of old — 



Q UES TIONING 167 

For as truth of God's own teaching 
It had lost its gracious hold. 

She had learned to call it legend, 

Full of poetry and shine : 
This had robbed it of its glory, 

Shorn it of its power divine. 

''Why, oh why so different, mother?" 

Cries the boy with saddened air. 
"You have told of star and manger, 

But — the Christ-Child is not there!" 

"What have I?" — the mother questioned, 

Silent in her bitter grief. 
"What have I to give him comfort? 

Would I had the old belief! 

"Would those theories so subtle 

Never yet had crossed my way! 
Darksome doubt at least had waited 

Till my boy had lived his day ! 



168 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

" If the Bible be but human, 

Full of mythologic lore, 
What can bless my child and strengthen, 

Nearing now some other shore? 

"Once I thought that shore was heaven. 

But what certainty have I? 
Thought I had a living Saviour, 

Ever gracious, ever nigh. 

" But if Christ were only human. 

Only saintly Joseph's son, 
Fancy-woven tales surround Him, 

Nor His cross our peace have won, — 

" Not a living, mighty Presence, 
But a hallowed memory dear, — 

What is left of faith triumphant, 

That life's darkest hour could cheer? 

"Now my boy is going from me, 
Slipping surely, fast, away. 



QUESTIONING 169 

Through this sorrow, closing round me, 
I can see no gleam of day. 

"Though they say that God doth love me, 

And will comfort and uphold, 
Is there any God above me? — 

Only human lips have told. 

"No, I cannot, cannot rest me 

In the shelter of His love. 
For the cruel question haunts me — 

/r there any God above? 

"Was it thus my sainted mother 

Through the Vale of Shadow trod? 
She believed — was it illusion? — 

With her walked the Son of God! 

" Lost my Bible, lost my Saviour, 

Drifting far on life's wild main, 
Would I had your anchor, mother! 

Would I were a child again ! " 



CONTENT 

You talk about the faith that's new, 

And labyrinths of modern thought; 
But leave, oh, leave a faith to me, 
Simple as that which Jesus taught; 
Old as the shores of Galilee, 
Far-reaching as eternity! 

That faith has been the staff and stay 
Of better lives than yours or mine; 
Has walked with Christ from day to day. 
And seen His face, transfigured, shine: 
While kneeling on the mount of prayer, 
Has felt it blessed to be there. 

That faith has nerved the shrinking will 

To tread a thorny way alone; 
Made suffering hearts forget their ill 

In quiet deeds of kindness shown; 
170 



CONTENT 171 

And seen heaven's kindling stars arise 
Above the path of sacrifice. 

That faith has kept its loved ones near, 

Though they o'er Jordan's stream have crossed; 
And found them only grown more dear — 
Their presence, oh, how far from lost ! 
And, sure in heaven again to meet, 
Holds here and now communion sweet. 

That faith can clasp a Saviour's hand. 

Through all life's changes, dark or bright, 
And sees the Vale of Shadow stand 
Illumined in its holy light. 

Ask not to change, for broken reeds. 
The faith that answers all my needs. 



THE WELL 

As when of old the Son of God 

Sat by Samaria's well, 
Whose crystal waters symbolized 

The truth He came to tell, 

One in His Spirit and His Name, 

We gather here to-day; 
And thirsting for a living spring, 

Lord, give to us, we pray. 

To us He saith, as said He then, 
"If thou my gift dost know. 

Give to the thirsty, and thy cup 
From me shall overflow." 

He sits beside our wayside well; 

He stands within our door. 
Forgive us that not always. Lord, 

We know thee in Thy poor! 
172 



A BAND-OF-MERCY HYMN 

"And now I lay me down to sleep," 

The little children say, 
And He whose love their souls doth keep, 

Who hears them when they pray, 

Round bird and child and angel throws 

The mantle of His care. 
The hand that sunset's glory shows 

Hath made the lily fair. 

In the same love that seraphs know, 

The robin in her nest. 
And field-mouse in her dwelling low, 

Sweetly and safely rest. 

On leaf and flower and blade of grass 
His dews fall gently down. 
173 



174 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

His happy creatures' grateful praise 
Entwines His dearest crown. 



And when, by kindness we have done, 
Those lives may happier be, 

Our feeble hands, dear Lord, have won 
Some fellowship with Thee! 



A GERMAN LEGEND 

"Now, mother dear, 
Bend down your ear 
Close, close to me. 
And I will tell 
What me befell 
While in the forest, gathering twigs for thee. 

"Adown the glade, 
In white arrayed, 
A child drew nigh; 
All wondrous fair. 
With shining hair. 
Rose lips, and eyes blue as our summer sky. 

" Fain would he share 
And help me bear 
My burden home. 
175 



176 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Then sped away, 
Nor could I say 
Whither he went, or whence as swift had come. 

"The forest way 
I took to-day. 
Nor far did roam. 
This perfume-fraught 
Red rose he brought, 
And said, 'When this shall bloom, again I'll come.' 

"Now, mother dear, 
Bring water clear, 
And fill my vase. 
Then while I sleep. 
Please will you keep 
The bud beside me? — Yes, that is the place. 

"You only thought 
Dream-fancies wrought 
On me last night. 



A GERMAN LEGEND 177 

But proves this flower 
My waking hour. 
Wait yet one moment ere you take the light. 

"Now closer fold me; 
Longer hold me; 
Again, Good-night ! " — 
When morning broke, 
The mother woke. 
The Rose flowered full: the Child lay still and white. 

N 



HOPE 

"NIL DESPERANDUM " 

There may be cause for sorrow: 

There is none for despair, 
Child of a loving Father, 

Who makes thy life His care ! 

The way seems dark before thee, 
But hold fast by His hand. 

The clouds that gather o'er thee 

By heaven's bright bow are spanned. 

Thou mayst meet strong temptation: 

But He is stronger still. 
His grace for thee sufhceth. 

Seek but to do His will. 

The seed while in the garner 
No fruit can ever yield; 
178 



HOPE 179 



But hidden in earth's furrow 
Shall crown the golden field. 

Though pain and grief oppress thee, 
And hope sometimes seems vain, 

Yet all that may distress thee. 
Shall prove outweighed by gain. 

The glory of thy sunset 

Is fading fast away. 
Yes; but the morning cometh. 

It heralds a new day ! 

Thine earthly hope may vanish; 

But hide it in God's care — 
There may be cause for sorrow: 

There is none for despair. 



LIGHT AT EVENING 

It shall be light at evening-time, 

It shall be light. 
A transient cloud obscures thy sky, 

But is not night. 

It shall be glad at evening-time, 

It shall be glad. 
The passing years bear from thy life 

All that is sad. 

It shall be free at evening-time. 

It shall be free. 
Thy conflicts with besetting sin 

Shall ended be. 

It shall be sweet at evening-time, 
It shall be sweet: 
1 80 



LIGHT AT EVENING 181 

Long-vanished faces drawing near, 
Thy steps to greet. 

It shall be blessed at evening-time, 

It shall be blessed: 
For thou shalt meet and know thy Lord, 

And in Him rest. 

A promise shall be evening-time! 

From its rapt height, 
The pearl gates open to the land 

Where all is light. 



SUSAN FENIMORE COOPER 

With reverent hand we bind, and on her casket lay 

The sheaf of ripened wheat, meet emblem for to-day. 

The gifted daughter of a gifted sire ! 

Her books gave dear delight by lamp and fire. 

When threescore years crowned her with silver hair, 

She did not say, "Now let me rest; I've done." 

Her broad, protecting love drew little children in, 

And built a fair, bright home to save from want and sin. 

Now "inasmuch" is shining on her brow, 

A greater glory than her pen hath won! 

A sweet good-night, for long life nobly given, 

God's silent angel kissed her, and she slept. 

But who shall dream the rapture for her kept, 

When she awoke to the New Year of heaven! 

Jan. 2, 1895. 

182 



THE HELPER 

Amid the scenes of every day, 
Sunlight and shadow of life's way, 
Lest heart forget or footsteps stray. 
Dear Lord, our helper be ! 

When pleasure wings the hours along, 
And lips are wreathed with smile and song, 
Oh, let not earth do heaven wrong. 
But, Lord, our helper be! 

From duty if we fain would turn, 
And our dim eyes alone discern 
A painful cross which must be borne, 
Then, Lord, our helper be ! 

Should cares and toils around us press. 
Give faith to cheer and love to bless, 
18.^ 



184 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The manna in the wilderness, — 
Thus, Lord, our helper be ! 

When to that baptism none may shun, 
Who with Thee would be truly one. 
Our feet go down, Thy will be done. 
And, Lord, our helper be ! 

Through joy and pain, through shade and light, 
Lead our souls onward to the height 
Of duty one with love's delight: 
Thus, Lord, our helper be! 

And when earth's changes all are past. 
And Thy veiled angel's touch at last 
Seals from all grief our eyelids fast, 
Then, Lord, our helper be ! 



REST 

Still she lies; 

On her eyes 
Breathless slumber brooding: 

Wreathed brow 

Touched not now 
By pain or grief's intruding^ 

Calmly pressed 

On her breast 
Hands that well life's work have done. 

That so brief 

Is our grief, 
But her perfect rest is won. 

Lightly tread! 
She's not dead, 
Only in her beauty sleeping: 
185 



186 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And in heaven 
Waking's given. 
Angels round her watch are keeping. 

Snows are falling; 

Winds are calling, 
As deep calleth unto deep. 

Lightly tread ! 

She's not dead. 
Let her with her baby sleep. 

Lay her down, 

With her crown 
And her folded robe, below 

Covering 

Like the wing 
Of a sea-bird — spotless snow. 



COMMUNION 

Lord, meet Thy children gathered here, 

A Saviour's feast to share! 
We fain would touch Thy garment's hem 

In faith's adoring prayer. 

We bless Thee that our feet are turned 
To tread Thy paths of light! 

The Presence not by flesh discerned 
Dawns on our spirits' sight. 

No angry Judge, but tender Friend, 

Transfigured to us here; 
Through varied links of joy and pain 

One purpose runneth clear. 

And we in Thy communion sweet 
With all our loved unite; 
187 



188 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Though some have reached the Shining Shore, 
And walk with Thee in white. 

We bless Thee for the changeless love 

Deep dwelling in our hearts, 
That only shall the brighter glow 

When earthly life departs: 

And for the hope, the glorious hope, 

That wings our toilsome hours, 
To find but just across the stream 

Our dear ones still are ours ! 

From bondage unto sin and death 

Thy truth hath set us free. 
No doubt disturbs, no fear molests 

The soul that dwells in Thee ! 



SHADOW AND LIGHT 

In her young innocence lay down 

The child that slumbered on thy breast. 
She rose, to take her harp and crown 
Among the blest. 

And if thy soul a cross must bear, 
With roses shall it be entwined. 
They who a Saviour's suffering share, 
His joy shall find. 

Yet not amid the tempest's roar. 

We seek the treasures of the deep; 
But find them scattered on the shore 
When billows sleep. 

Poor heart, by mighty sorrow rift. 
Thy cherished one God asks of thee. 



190 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Thou knowest not now: we cannot lift 
The veil for thee. 

But thou shalt know; mayst now be sure 
Whose name is Love can do no wrong. 
The hand that led thy darling home 
Will make thee strong. 

'Twas morning; but thou knowest not 

What bitter cup she might have drained, 
If till the weary noontide hour 
Had she remained. 

Pain, grief, temptation, might have pressed, 

Like mountain torrents, on her way. 
Life's care and change were hers at best: 
It passed away. 

Hereafter, when unveiled to see 

Thy guardian angel's form of grace. 
Thine eyes' rapt gaze may give to thee 
Thy daughter's face. 



SHAD IV AND LIGHT 191 

Though dark the night, and rough the way, 

It will not be too hard, too long; 
It endeth in the perfect day 
And angel throng. 

There shalt thou find her, and shalt own 

That wisest Love permits the grief 
Which all in secret binds for souls 
A golden sheaf. 



IN THE VALLEY 

Lord of the hills Thou art, we own! 

O foolish hearts, slow to believe 
That Thou dost rule the vales as well, 

And never wilt Thy children leave. 

We praise Thee when to overflow 

Our cup of blessing Thou hast poured. 

But what if lamp and fire burn low, 

And scanty spread our shelf and board? 

We keep Thy words, perchance, when smooth 

And fair before us duty lies. 
What if temptation's thorns beset. 

And Thou dost ask self-sacrifice? 

We trust Thee when our sun shines bright 
On verdant uplands, waters still. 
192 



IN THE VALLEY 193 

But in the depths of sorrow's night, 
Can we look past the transient ill, 

And trust the love that far above 

All cloud and storm, of wind or wave, 

Its tender guardianship will prove, 
And to the uttermost will save.-* 

And when our path leads gently down, — 
The vale of shadow drawing near, — 

With reverent thought, but hopeful love. 
Can we pass on without a fear? 

Assured that just beyond arise 

The everlasting hills of light. 
Where Thou art by glad worship crowned. 

Thine is the valley, Thine the height! 

o 



THE NATIVITY 

Child in Bethlehem virgin-born, 

Welcome we Thy natal morn. 

In a manger lowly laid, 

Thou whose word the heavens made! 

Swaddling bands enwrap Thy form, 

Thou whose way is in the storm ! 

See the infant Saviour crowned. 
Bow in adoration round! 
Bring your richest tribute here, — 
Gold and frankincense and myrrh. 
All are scarce an offering meet, 
Scattered at the God-Child's feet. 

Bring a benison more rare: 
Cast upon Him all your care. 
Think ye not His mother's love 
Gold and gems soared far above, 
194 



THE NATIVITY 195 

Counting them as meaner things 
Than the shadow of her wings? 

Sweetest incense is the faith 
Counting sure all things He saith: 
And He deemeth far more dear 
Than myrrh, the hope that passeth fear. 
Bring ye these with song and prayer, 
And His meek acceptance share. 



A COMMUNION HYMN 

Be Thy presence with us, Saviour, 

While we take this bread and wine, 
With a grateful, tender reverence. 
As its gracious sign ! 

Let us come in faith, O Saviour! 

We the branches, Thou the vine: 
Faith, through every clinging tendril, 
Link our lives with Thine ! 

Let us come in hope, O Saviour! 

Hope that rests its all in Thee : 
Looking through earth's shine and shadow, 
Unto what shall be. 

Let us know the consecration 
Of a purpose deep and strong: 
196 



A COMMUNION HYMN 197 

Of a life filled with Thy Spirit, 
Be it short or long. 

In the joy of Thy redemption 

Let us keep the feast divine. 
More than all, with love, O Saviour! 
Love that answers Thine ! 



THE WISH 

Fair rose the home that crowned the hill, 
Where flowed the river, calm and still. 

The breeze and sunlight played between 
Bright leaves of crimson, gold, and green. 

Bees hummed J birds warbled; field and wood 
Seemed all to whisper, "Very good!" 

Yet would a music far more sweet 
Than sound of bird or waters greet 

The ear attuned to household mirth: 
A bright-eyed baby there had birth, — 

A mother's star of hope, her flower. 
The sunshine of her life's brief hour. 



THE WISH 199 

Only a few bright months had flown 
Since she a mother's joy had known. 

They laid her down in dreamless rest, 
With pure white lilies on her breast. 

Her husband turned with heavy heart, 
To bear in life an earnest part, 

While love, that deep through suffering grew, 
Around his child its tendrils threw. 

His sister nursed the little one; 
Her loving care and gentle tone 

Were mother-like; and baby Floy 
Soon hailed her coming step with joy, 

And clung to her in rest or play. 
While grandame thought her in the way. 

"I wish the house sometimes were still: 
I do declare, it suits me ill 



X^ 



200 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Here, at my age, to have a child 
Now crying, then in play as wild 

As ever titmouse on the wing. 

Oh dear! I wish she wouldn't sing. 

"I've raised one family," said she, 
"And that is quite enough for me." 

She had her wish! There came a day 
That angels bore the child away. 

No broken playthings strewed the floor. 
No need to guard the open door. 

No small feet pattered on the stair. 
Or hourly wants required a care. 

Her words came back with bitter thrill; 
For, ah! the home was all too still! 



ABSENT 

Father in heaven, to Thee alone 
The burden of my life is known — 

Its height and depth of pain. 
I see not through the way I go. 
Only Thy guiding hand I know, 

Thy love that can sustain. 

And that which seemeth dark and sad, 
Is verging towards the bright and glad, 

In Thine own better land. 
And though grief may not pass away 
While amid earthly scenes I stay, 

As waves roll from the strand, 

Yet this I know, that whatso'er 
The years that lie between may bear, 

Of shadow or of light, — 
In life's last hour of deep revealing. 
Thy white-robed angel comes with healing, 

And proves love's wakened might. 



GRANDMA'S PICNIC 

"Where is your mother, dearie?" 

The lady's voice was low. 
" Oh, mamma is very busy, 

There's so much cooking to do. 
The folks are coming to-morrow 

To Grandma's picnic, you know." 

For the little feet were roving 
In childhood's enchanted land. 

She knew not of death or parting: 
She could only understand 

That Grandma's friends were gathered, 
A cheery, social band. 

A child's mistake; yet lay hidden 

A comforting thought within; 
Here sighs a burial anthem — 
There swells an angel-hymn! 
And to the love-feast of heaven, 
Grandma hath entered in! 
202 



COMFORTED 

Suffering closed my eyes from seeing 

Beauty in the world around, 
Chained my feet and robbed my fingers; 

Even thought was caged and bound. 

And it seemed to be forever; 

That life's sands were well-nigh run; 
And a soul was swiftly tending 

To the land^ beyond the sun. 

But the burden is gone from me; 

I have still a part in life; 
And for me with wondrous meaning 

Lo, the universe is rife ! 

Once again the light beholden, 
Hills and woods in glory wrapped, 
203 



204 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

And the harvest, gleaming, golden, 
Autumn, crowned, again has lapped. 

Vanished, like a dream at morning. 
All the restlessness and grief; 

As of old the sick and troubled 
Found the Saviour's touch relief! 

Thus Thy hand, Lord, on me resting, 
Rolled the weight off heart and brain; 

And Thy voice, with mighty mandate, 
Exorcised the demon Pain! 

Though I could not in my suffering 
Even call upon Thy name. 

Thou wast with me — well I knew it — 
Who art evermore the same ! 

That felt Presence, no word needing. 
Held me in its strong embrace. 

While the earth seemed fast receding, 
Lord, I looked upon Thy face ! 



COMFORTED 205 

Yes, that face of all most human, 

Tenderest unto suffering bent: 
Most divine, and glory-circled, 

God and Man forever blent! 

In the waters Thou art with me: 
Through the fire Thou walkest too! 

Can I ever doubt Thy loving? 
I have proved it, fast and true. 

Love nor pain nor death can weaken, 

Love no power of earth enthrall: 
Sin and sorrow flee before it — 

Love redemptive, conquering all! 

Soon or late Thy call may reach me; 

But whene'er it seemeth near, 
Quiet lies my soul in waiting, 

Shadowed by no doubt or fear. 

In the light and in the darkness 
Thou art with me to sustain; 



206 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

As the sea of old was parted, 

Bearing through the depths of pain. 

Thou art all my trust in living: 
And I come with glad accord 

Unto Thee when life is failing, 
Rock of Ages, Christ my Lord! 



A CHILD'S QUESTION 1 

The lessons all were done; 

The children on their way 
To comfortable homes, 

Their supper and their play. 

A little colored boy, 

One of the village school, 

Had sorely chidden been 

For breaking some small rule. 

Amid the stern reproof 

That smote the childish heart, 
"Little black scoundrel," stung 

With keenest, bitterest smart. 

The merry children sought, 
And presently espied, 

1 A fact. 
207 



208 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Crouching upon the ground, 
Close to the river-side, 

The little colored boy, 

Scrubbing his face and hands; 

Trying, to change their hue, 
Water and river-sands. 

But quickly finding out 
That all in vain he tried, 

" Will NOTHING wash it off?" 
The lad, despairing, cried. 

O God, that childish voice 
Blent with a people's wail! 

And though Thou tarriest long, 
Thy promise shall not fail. 

Not in the dusky skin 

Lies deepest hid the stain; 

But in the human souls 
Where Prejudice hath lain. 



A CHILD'S QUESTION 209 

Yet o'er the hills ariseth 

The light of a new day! 
And in the good time coming 

Shall character bear sway. 

The fair or dark complexion 

Will place no limit where 
The mental powers of races 

Shall education share. 

We who are named disciples 

Of Him who maketh free, 
O Africa, long-suffering. 

Have yet to learn of thee ! 

When the Desire of Nations 

Hath brought His kingdom in, 
And thou art crowned with gladness, 
May He forgive our sin! 
p 



EMANCIPATION 

Sound the Te Deum t Lo, the day 

The ages hoped and waited for, 
While yet its promise seemed the ray 
Of morning's dawn, far, far before, 

Has broken now ! 

The dusky brow 

And eyes that long 

Have wept for wrong 
Are lifted to the radiant skies. 
A nation's anthem shall arise, — 

Gloria in excelsis! 

The Ararat of Liberty, 

Spanned with the promise-bow of heaven, 
Stands 'mid Rebellion's stormy sea, 
The only foothold God hath given. 
The story old 
Again is told. 

2IO 



EMANCIPATION 211 

O'er swelling tides 

Our ship safe rides; 
And anchored by that sun-lit height, 
Her free flag waves in morning light. 

Gloria in excelsis! 

"Why criest thou to Me? Go on!" 
To Israel's leader came the word, 
When to the Red Sea's brink pursued, 
He sought the counsel of the Lord. 

On either side 

Now slavery's pride 

And northern fear 

Their dark walls rear. 
But through their midst Thy freedmen go, 
And shout deliverance from the foe 

Gloria in excelsis! 

In Babylon the king of old 

Demanded daily worship paid 
To image wrought of beaten gold. 

Its counterpart this age hath made. 



212 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

Disunion's fire 

Burned seven times higher; 

The Son of God 

Walked clothed and shod; 
A sooty slave led through the flame, 
And lo! the thing a man became! 

Gloria in excelsis! 

In shivered links now lies the chain 

Where in his pride the oppressor stood; 
And dawns upon our night of pain 
The morning of man's brotherhood! 

That God is just, 

And patient trust 

Truer than fear, 

The opening year 
Writeth in characters of fire: 
And vibrates hopes ^olian lyre — 

Gloria in excelsis! 

Feb. 2, 1865. 



THE KEARSARGE 

For thirty years she bore our flag afar; 
Routed the foe that menaced every star: 
And when, in her proud beauty, swift death came, 
She met it bravely as she met the rest. 
Better than slow decay or crumbling wear, 
Better than stranded in the gruesome dock, 
E'en the fierce crash on Roncador's grim rock. 
The good old ship lies 'neath the shining wave; 
For such a brave life's close most fitting grave. 
But brighter shining in the roll of fame. 
And linked with all our dearest and our best 
Of home and country saved forevermore. 
Stands now, and for all time, her glorious name, — 
Kearsarge ! 
213 



LONG ISLAND SOUND 

Midnight and silence, and the blue expanse 
Of rolling waters crested white with foam! 

Our boat sweeps onward like a thing of life, 

And bears me toward my children and my home. 

My home so lovely in its restful green, 

Crowned with the beauty of wood, hill, and river; 

This pearly moonlight drifting through the elms 

Whose shimmering leaves now in the night-wind 
quiver. 

My boys! My bright, brave boys, for whom I hope 
So much, and wait; and shall not wait in vain; 

My little girl — my dark-eyed baby girl! 
I soon shall have them in my arms again. 

Sheltered my children all in His kind care 
Who holds the waters in His mighty hand! 
214 



LONG ISLAND SOUND 215 

In whom I rest, secure in that great Love, 
Alike by day and night, on sea and land. ■ 

And as our boat glides on her tranquil way, 
While all around her shines this glorious light, 

Father, with prayer no words can ever say, 
I lift my heart and soul to Thee to-night! 

Thine be adoring thought, and grateful, trusting love. 
Ours be Thy guidance o'er life's changeful tide! 

Till rock and quicksand passed, and storm outrode. 
We're safely anchored on the farther side. 

That farther side, that unknown, shining shore ! 

Thou who hast made this earth and sky and sea 
So wondrous fair, a joy forevermore. 

What can — dear Lord, what must Thy heaven be ! 



SUNSET 

I HAD not thought the time would ever come, 

That I should walk with Thee, 
Quietly day by day, no cloud of doubt 

Between Thy love and me. 

That I should wake and find Thee by my side 

With every morning's light j 
And feel the tender brooding of Thy wing 

With every gathering night. 

What is Thy mercy. Lord, that Thou dost lift 

The light of Thy dear face 
Thus, thus on me, that whereso'er may drift 

This life of time and space, 

The power and peace of Thine encircling love 
My spirit frees from thrall; 
216 



SUNSET 217 

And storm or shine, and rough or flowery path 
Lead to thee, one and all ! 

Not in a moment hath Thy presence shone. 

The twinkling of an eye; 
But silent, gentle as the rising dawn, 

The Dayspring from on high! 

Not lighter seem the sins of vanished years, 

That erst had weighed me down; 
But royally hath Thy forgiveness come, 

With robe and ring and crown. 

I could not ravel out life's tangled web: 

I laid it in Thy hand; 
Like a tired child, that asks but to be led, 

Nor cares to understand. 

My sorrow hath not left me : nevermore 

Can earth be what has been. 
But I shall find, safe in Thy mercy's store 

All that I love again. 



218 ALOHA AND OTHER POEMS 

The Father's house! Only another room 

Is mine a little while; 
So near that even now I walk amid 

The glory of their smile. 

Redeeming Lord ! Thy sure, transcendant love 

Pervades life's utmost bound 
And more than mother, lover, child, and friend. 

My heart in thee hath found. 

Alway sufficient is Thy tender grace: 

Thy truth hath made me strong. 
Thy loving-kindness round me all the day, 

And in the night a song. 

The path leads homeward. Whether dark or bright, 

I cast on Thee my care : 
Assured at evening-time it shall be light, 

And THOU art everywhere ! 

I shall not lose Thee! Long or short my way, 

I lay my hand in Thine : 
And through the sunset tints of parting day, 

I see the pearl gates shine ! 



